Ranthushka, Panchali clinch open singles badminton titles 

Ranthushka Karunathilake staged a brilliant comeback against Ashinshana Herath to win the open men’s singles title while Panchali Adhikari clinched the women’s title without having to sweat, at the North Central Province Open Badminton Championship which was held over the last weekend. At the tournament which was held at the Anuradhapura Municipal Stadium and Mike Cook Indoor Badminton Hall, Karunathilake defeated Ashinshana Herath 20-22, 21-12, 21 -10 to win the final while Adhikari received a walkover in the women’s final.

The men’s doubles title was won by the seasoned pair of Sachin Dias and Buwaneka Goonathillake who overcame Dinura Rashmika and Lahiru Weerasinghe (21-15, 21-14) in the final. Women’s doubles title was clinched by Kavindika de Silva and Nadeesha Gayanthi who beat Hasini Ambalangodage and Hasara Wijayarathne (25-23, 24 -22). Hasitha Chanaka and Nadeesha Gayanthi won the open mixed doubles title when they outclassed Siyath Dulneth Senaratne and Kavindika de Silva (21-19, 24-22).

The five-day tournament, conducted by the North Central Province Badminton Association under the supervision of Sri Lanka Badminton, also saw events being held under age categories from 13 up to 55 and over. SLB President Rohan De Silva was the guest of honour on the final day and the prize distribution ceremony. Officials of SLB and the North Central Province Badminton Association were also present on this occasion.