Indian golfer Manoj takes top position

From left: SLG Junior Sub Committee Member Tharanga Gunasekara , P&S Director Ruwini Kariyawasam, SLG Player Reshan Algama, Indian Player Manoj Sreeramappa, Tournament Referee Suren Vass, P&S Director Avishka Perera, and SLG Junior Sub Committee Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake

Day 1 leader Manoj Sreeramappa 

• Day one leader Manoj Sreeramappa

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka Junior Match-Play Championship 2024 commenced at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) featuring some of the best young golfing talents in the country.

Sponsored by Perera and Sons, the tournament played for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy saw intense competition in the qualifying round across various divisions, with participants vying for a spot in the match play rounds.

Gold Division (15-18+)

In the Gold Division, Manoj Sreeramappa from India led the boys’ segment, shooting an impressive 71 from the Black Tee marker. Close on his heels were Yannik Kumara and Jevahn Sathasivam, both carding a 72, and Reshan Algama, to post a solid 73. Jevahn played in the recent Scotland Golf event while Reshan was in the USA event last week. 

The girls’ segment playing from the Red Tee marker, saw Anumi Karunathilaka take the lead with a score of 94, followed by Kaitlyn Norton (96), Dhanushi Wanasinghe (97), and Aaraadhi Samararatne (100).

Silver Division (13-14+)

The Silver Division boys, playing from the White Tee marker, showed remarkable skill.

Kaiyan Johnpillai topped the leaderboard with a score of 75. Thejas Rathis Kanth followed with 77, Varun Fernando with 78, and H.D. Adithya Weerasinghe with 79.

Bronze Division (11-12+)

In the Bronze Division, Lavidu Premarathna led the boys and girls playing from the Yellow Tee marker with a standout score of 50. Revaan Amarasinghe came in second with 56, followed by Udeera Bandara (59), and Danik Daluwatte (67).

Copper Division (10+ and Under)

The Copper Division saw Yuvan Rathiskanth dominate the leaderboard with an excellent score of 37 from the Pink Tee marker. Jaeden Sathasivam was not far behind with 39, while Abiman Abeywardhana and Dhyana Perera scored 42 and 48, respectively.

The competition now shifts to the match-play format, with the top eight from each division moving forward to the pre-quarterfinals. This stage promises thrilling head-to-head contests as the young golfers compete for the prestigious titles.