Sri Lanka Junior Match Championships to tee off today

By Shamseer Jaleel

The much-anticipated Sri Lanka Junior Match Championships for the Rukmani Kodagoda Trophy, sponsored by Perera and Sons, is set to tee off today at the Royal Colombo Golf Course (RCGC).

With more than 75 junior golfers hailing from various age categories and regions, including outstation areas like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Anuradhapura, the event promises to be a celebration of burgeoning golfing talent to be witnessed over the next four days.

One of the standout participants in the Gold Division (15 to 18 years) is Reshan Algama, a 15-year-old golfing sensation who has already made his mark on the world stage. Algama, who holds a commendable world ranking, is set to face off against defending champion K. Danushan, who clinched victory in this event last year at the age of 17. Algama’s journey so far has been marked by patience and invaluable experience gained both locally and overseas. He’ll be up against tough competition from other players in the segment, including Jacob Norton, Vinuda Weerasinghe, and Jevahn Sathasivam. Jacob, Vinuda, and Jevahn, all in sparkling form, will be a major threat to Algama.

The Girls’ segment will see the impressive presence of a highly talented golfer, Kaya Daluwatte, who is currently honing her skills and pursuing studies in India. This promising young talent will be joined by other skilled players, such as Sherin Balasuriya.

Moving on to the Silver Division (12 to 14 years), the stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of skill and determination. Anuradhapura’s own Adithya Weerasinghe and Janeesh Weerasinghe are ready to demonstrate their brilliance, while Thejas Rathis Kanth and Keshav Algama are poised to give them a run for their money. Both Thejas and Keshav, in top form, will be the two players to look forward to, giving a good run for their seniors in the segment.

In the lower age divisions, budding talents like Yehansa Senanayake, who emerged as the clear victor on the last occasion, and Genuli Weerakoon in the Bronze Division Girls’ category are all set to compete fiercely.

The youngest category, the Copper Division, will see players such as Yuvan Rathis Kanth, who had a memorable hole-in-one in his last outing, and Jaeden Sathasivam
taking part.