Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship 2023 - Day 1 Young stars light up Royal Colombo Golf Club

By Shamseer Jaleel

The greens of the Royal Colombo Golf Club came alive as the Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship 2023 for the illustrious Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy teed off. The nation's most promising junior golfers took centre stage across various segments, promising a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Gold Division, the marquee event featuring players aged 15 to 18+, saw the expected ascent of two exceptional amateur golfers.

K Danushan (18 years) led the way, displaying a level-headed performance with an even-par round, setting the bar for excellence.
Not far behind Reshan Algama (15 years) showcased his mettle with a commendable 2 over par round, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Both Algama and Danushan hold world rankings, a testament to their exceptional skills.

Their participation in this championship promises not only riveting match play but also a valuable opportunity to accumulate essential ranking points through each stage of qualification.
As the championship progresses, the quarter-final stage will see off Danushan, Algama, Jevahn Sathasivam, Vinuda Weerasinghe, Jacob Norton, Thenuk Sathnidu, Sankanath Hesara and Imran Nazeer, with each golfer hungry for victory.

In the Girls' Gold Division, Kaya Daluwatte asserted her prowess by securing the top position, setting a strong foundation for her journey ahead.
Daluwatte, being one of the few Sri Lankan to maintain a world amateur lady ranking at the young age of 14 years, with an impressive command of the game, appears primed for a smooth path towards the final.

In the Silver Boys' Division, the spotlight fell on the astonishingly talented 12-year-old Thejas Rathis Kanth, who surged to the forefront of the leaderboard.
As Rathis Kanth confidently leads the charge, Janeesh Weerasinghe from Anuradhapura looms as a formidable challenger, poised to give him a run for his money.
In the Silver Girls' Division, Kaitlyn Norton clinched the top spot, showcasing her skills and determination on the course.

The Bronze Division saw Revaan Amarasinghe and in the lowest age category, Jaeden Sathasivam, reaffirm their dominance by retaining their top positions.