Ondaatjie Snooker tourney a success

P Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya

The “Deshabandu George Ondaatjie Annual Snooker Tournament” was held at the Grand Hotel Billiards Room to coincide with the April Festivities Program of Nuwara Eliya. This year there were 92 entries for the Tournament including all the top ranking players of Sri Lanka.

The preliminary rounds took place on April 23 and 24 morning, while the final between two upcoming players Mohamed Rimzan and T H M Farshad was played in the evening of 24 in the presence of the chief guest Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor of the Central Province.

The Prize Distribution was held April 24 amidst a large gathering of distinguished invitees and players. The Chief Guest was Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor of the Central Province, while the Guest of Honour was Deshamanya Chandana Lal Karunaratne, Mayor of Nuwara Eliya. The main sponsors for the Tournament were Hatton National Bank who came forward for the 3rd consecutive year while the co-sponsors were MAG Steel (Pvt) Ltd., who also co-sponsored this event for third consecutive year.

The winners of the tournament were as follows:

The quarter finalists were M Faris, M R T Chandana, M I M Isham and M T M Safees. The cash award of Rs 7,500, certificate and trophy for 3rd runner up was presented by Nazeem Mohamed, Assistant Manager/Chief Accountant of Grand Hotel to Nimal de Silva of Grand Hotel Sports Club.

The cash award of Rs 15,000 and certificate for 2nd runner-up was presented by Shalintha Amunupura, General Manager of MAG Steel (Pvt) Ltd while the Tournament Organizer of Grand Hotel, Anbalagan presented the Trophy to M Mubeen of MICH.

The cash award of Rs 25,000 and certificates for 1st runner up was presented by Palaka Perera General Manager of Grand Hotel and the trophy was presented by Deshamanya Chandana Lal Karunaratne, Mayor of Nuwara Eliya to T H M Farshad of MICH.

The cash award of Rs 40,000 certificate and trophy to the winner was presented by Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor of Central Province Council to Mohamed Rimzan of MICH.

Kobbekaduwa, Governor of the Central Province who is very enthusiastic and interested in promoting Snooker generously contributed the sum of Rs 40,000 as the prize money for the winner.

Awards and certificate were also distributed to the chief referee and four other referees of the tournament.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Hiran Kodituwakku, Boutique Manager.