Lankan golf stars to compete in India and Malaysia

By: Shamseer Jaleel

Colombo, Dec. 8 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka will be represented by two exceptional talents, Reshan Algama and Chanaka Perera, at the 122nd Amateur Golf Championship of India, hosted at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) from December 10 to 17.

Both Reshan and Chanaka left the Island last night with their Manager, Lal Wickrematunge. In addition, Sri Lanka Golf (SLG) will be represented by two other senior amateurs, Uchitha Ranasinghe and Chalitha Pushpika, at the Malaysian Amateur Open Championship at the Tiara Melaka Golf and Country Club in Melaka from December 7 to 10.

Fifteen-year-old Algama has already earned a reputation as a young left-handed sensation. A student of Colombo International School he has an impressive list of achievements, including being the youngest to win a ranking event in Sri Lanka.

His remarkable journey extends beyond national borders, having participated in tournaments in Bangladesh, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia on earlier occasions.

Algama's international acclaim is further solidified by his current standing as the highest-ranked Sri Lankan amateur golfer in the world, securing an impressive 557th position in the global rankings.

Chanaka Perera is an amateur golfer who has previously represented Sri Lanka. The duo's selection underscores the commitment of SLG to foster a diverse and talented representation on the international stage.

Meanwhile the other two players who will tee off in the Malaysian event, Ranasinghe and Pushpika clinched their spots during the last round of trials held at the Victoria Golf Resort in Rajawella, showcasing their skill and determination.

The Malaysian Amateur Open Championship, inaugurated in 1894, has evolved into a prominent Asia-Pacific Amateur Tournament. Notably, Sri Lankan golfing legend Nandasena Perera engraved his name on the trophy in 1998, followed by Anura Rohana in 1999.

Pushpika is currently ranked 969th in the world, and Ranasinghe is ranked 1,056th globally and they have also earned the distinction of being the third and fourth highest-ranked Sri Lankan golfers, respectively.