Thilina, Rashmi clinch NWP badminton crowns

All Category Winners with Officials 

by Susil Premalal   
Thilina Rajakaruna and Rashmi Bhagya clinched the Men’s and Women’s Singles titles respectively at the North Western Province (NWP) All-Island Open Badminton Championship held at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Army Camp in Boyagane and the Municipal Council Indoor Badminton Courts in Kurunegala.   
In the Men’s Singles final, Rajakaruna secured a 21-19, 21-18 win against Thenuka de Silva to clinch the title. Bhagya claimed the Women’s Singles crown as her opponent Sithuli Ranasinghe withdrew because of an injury, with Bhagya leading 11-0 at the time.   

Meanwhile, Madhuka Dulanjana and Lahiru Weerasinghe claimed victory in the Men’s Doubles final 21-14 and 21-16, against Sehandu Peiris and Thesath Rajapaksa.   
In the Women’s Doubles, Bhagya and Warangana Jayawardhana secured the championship with a 21-15, 21-7-win over Senadi de Silva and Nethanga Vindini.   
The Mixed Doubles title went to Madhuka Dulanjana and Anurangi Maskorala who overcame Thenuka de Silva and Samadhi Sathnara 24-22, 22-24, 21-17 in a thrilling final.   
The Men’s Open Singles champion Rajakaruna also triumphed in the Under-19 Boys’ Singles defeating Dewmina Gunawardena, adding to his impressive haul from the tournament.   
The Under-19 Girls’ Singles title was claimed by Tinudi Fernando, who defeated Dilshi Dissanayake 21-10, 21-11.