Hasini, Hasara claim Women’s Doubles silver at South Africa International

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hasara Wijayaratne (left) and Hasini Ambalangodage

Sri Lanka’s Hasini Ambalangodage and Hasara Wijayaratne claimed the silver medal in the Women’s Doubles final of the South Africa International 2024 Badminton Tournament at the John Tyers Hall at Access Park in Cape Town.

Hasini and Hasara enjoyed a successful series of competitions in the African continent, as they clinched the third medal, a silver, following winning the gold medal in Botswana and a bronze in Zambia.

The Sri Lankan pair were defeated by Amy Ackerman and Deirdre Laurens of South Africa in straight sets. Hasini and Hasara, who defeated the same opponents in Botswana, however failed to overcome them as the South African pair won by 21/14 and 21/14 without much fuss.

Earlier in the semifinal Hasini and Hasara defeated Vilina Appiah and Tiya Bhurtun of the Mauritius in the semi-final in straight sets to set up the final clash against South African duo.

The Mauritius pair, Vilina and Tiya, were no match for the marauding Sri Lankans, who dominated both sets in the semi-final clash of the Women’s Doubles as they recorded wins by 21/9 and 21/10, while their opponents in the final, Amy and Deidre, too recorded an inspiring straight win against compatriots Chloe Lai and Yiwen Li with scores of 21/6 and 21/7.

Earlier on, Hasini and Hasara overcame Deborah Godfrey and Anri Schoonees of South Africa in the quarter-final in straight, setting sight to their second major title within a week after claiming a gold medal in Botswana. The Sri Lankan top ranked Women’s Doubles pair was given a stiff challenge by the South African duo from the outset.

But Hasini and Hasara were resolute in their approach as they steadily changed the momentum of the game towards their favour and claim the sets with scores of 21/16 and 21/15 to reach the semi-final stage. Earlier, in the Round of 16, the Sri Lankan duo recorded an easy straight win against South Africa’s Lydia Godfrey and Yiwen Luo, with set scores of 21/11 and 21/9.

Last week, Hasini and Hasara clinched the Women’s Doubles gold medal at the Botswana International 2024, defeating South Africa’s Amy Ackerman and Deidre Laurens in the final. A week prior, the pair claimed the silver medal at the Zambia International 2024, after a gruelling battle against Maldivian pair A. Abdul Razzaq and F. Abdul Razzaq.