Chanaka in sparkling form at first National Ranking Tournament 2024

By Shamseer Jaleel

The picturesque course of Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) witnessed the thrilling end to the First Sri Lanka Golf National Ranking Championships 2024, with day 4 wrapping up amidst slight delays caused in misty conditions saw experienced Chanaka Perera (RCGC) continued his form in tandem on the 4th day to secure the first ranking tournament win for 2024 which was organised and conducted by Sri Lanka Golf (SLG).

Chanaka Perera emerged as the winner showcasing outstanding golf throughout the tournament to secure the top spot with a total score of 302. He led from day 1 onwards with some class golf displayed by him in the Hill Capital. Closely followed by Chalitha Pushpika (Sri Lanka Navy), trailing by a mere shot with a score of 306. Holding steady in third place was Uchitha Ranasinghe (RCGC), maintaining a commendable performance with a score of 315.

What adds to the excitement of this championship is the international recognition of these players. All three leading contenders, Chanaka Perera, Chalitha Pushpika and Uchitha Ranasinghe, boast impressive World Amateur Rankings. Chanaka stands at 1009, Chalitha at 1096, and Uchitha at 1046, showing their class among the other golfers on the global golfing stage.

The girls’ event was won by R.M.A.C. Rathnayaka (408) followed by K.U.D.N. Uluwaththa (411) and K W.D.S. Wijegunarathna (437).

This is only the start, as more ranking tournaments are on the cards and many juniors, such as Jevahn Sathasivam, Reshan Algama, Kaya Daluwatte and Yannik Kumara who missed out due to their studies, will be playing in the next few events, which will help them secure better standing among the other golfers.