Laksiri claims maiden tour title in Bangladesh  

Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Laksiri paid tribute to the local authorities and his coaching staff after securing a historic maiden tour title at the second Bangabandhu Squash Tournament held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 26-year-old had never even made a final during his fledgling Tour career prior to this event and the World number 281 came into the Challenger-5 level competition as the number eight seed.

“I must commend the Sri Lanka Squash Federation for providing me with the necessary backing to prepare for this event and the sponsors Yeti, for their continuous support for squash in Sri Lanka,” Laksiri stressed.

Laksiri took on Egypt’s Ziad Ibrahim in the final and won the first two games but saw Ibrahim fight back to win the third. However, Laksiri regrouped and took a tight fourth game 11-9 to get over the line and clinch his first tour title.

“Squash is a sport where you need to be 100 percent fit before and during the game and Yeti has always helped my cause and kept me hydrated throughout the contest,” Laksiri emphasised.

Laksiri also commended the services of Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, Rehman Gull of Pakistan, who has made a tremendous impact on the Sri Lankan players in a short period.

“Although my coach could not accompany me for this tournament, he always provided me with valuable inputs on the opposition players and about my technique online before each and every game,” Laksiri commented.