Uchitha and Chalitha to vie at Malaysian Open

By: Shamseer Jaleel

COLOMBO, Nov 24 (Daily Mirror) - Two amateur golfers, Uchitha Ranasinghe and Chalitha Pushpika secured their qualifications to represent Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLG) in the Malaysian Amateur Open Championship 2023, which will take place from December 7 to 10 at the Tiara Melaka Golf and Country Club in Melaka, Malaysia.

Ranasinghe and Pushpika clinched their spots during the last round of trials held at the Victoria Golf Resort (VGR) 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 golf legend Nandasena Perera engraved his name on the trophy in 1998, followed by Anura Rohana in 1999.

In fact, Ranasinghe, one of the qualified golfers, is the son of the 1999 champion, Anura Rohana. The connection between generations further adds to the significance of Sri Lanka's participation in this prestigious event.

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

Pushpika recently showcased his skills at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championships in Australia, while Ranasinghe participated in the 62nd Amateur Championships in Pakistan earlier this year.