Jevahn and Kaya stamp their class

Boys Gold Segment winner Jevahn Sathasivam 

Grils Gold segment winner Kaya Daluwatte

Silver division winner Adithya Weerasinghe

All Segment winners with SLG and Sponsors 

Two promising junior golfers, Jevahn Sathasivam and Kaya Daluwatte secured the top prizes in the Gold segment Boys and Girls respectively at the Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship 2023 that concluded at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) last week with a colourful prize giving.

The event was organised by Sri Lanka Golf and sponsored by Prima Sunrise for a record 15th year running. More than 100 junior golfers teed off with many golfers from India too in the tournament that saw good competition among them in all segments.

Jevahn Sathasivam who was in sparkling form from day 1 continued his lead with the top showcasing his exceptional abilities, securing an impressive score of 210 and claiming the number 1 position. Yannik Kumara secured second position with a notable score of 220, and he too showed some consistent performance in the three days. Reshan Algama after his uneven day 1 did his best to fight back and come into 3rd position with his class scoring 221 in the end.

The Girls Gold was a one horse race as Kaya Daluwatte took complete control with her first position scoring 219, and with her experience in the Indian circuit she looked a yard faster than the rest of the competitors in her segment. Sherine Balasuriya attained second position with a score of 231, while Aaliya Achary from India secured the third spot with a score of 236.

Adithya Weerasinghe emerged victorious in the Silver division coming in with fewer facilities from Anuradhapura among the Boys with a score of 226. Meanwhile, Keshav Algama too was in good form securing the Number 2 position with a score of 233. Kaiyan Johnpillai claimed the third spot with a score of 239.

In the Silver for Girls, Keya Abhayaratne showcased her dominance, securing a remarkable score of 291 and clinching first position. This pushed Araradhi Samararatne to second position with a score of 346, followed by Sithara Lawrence with a score of 375, securing third position.

Lavidu Premarathne claimed the Bronze Medal with a score of 184 followed by Udeera Bandara securing second position with a score of 202, while Yehansa Senanayake attained the third spot with a score of 207.

Indian girls Bhavika Unni emerged as the champion in the Bronze for girls with a score of 185 while her sister Avighna Unni secured second position with a score of 186, followed by Kaitlyn Norton in third place with a score of 209.

In the Copper division for Boys saw once again Revaan Amarasinghe emerging victorious with an impressive score of 112 stamping his authority in this segment with the Indian junior Vivian Singh taking the second position with a score of 114, and Danik Daluwatte secured third position with a score of 128. In the Girls event Aasitha Rao of India clinched the first position with a score of 123, displaying remarkable skill and potential. Vihara Herath secured the second position with a score of 143, while Aashna Amogha from India, claimed the third spot with a score of 150.

Sri Lanka Golf under President Ranil Peiris has done a remarkable job for the junior golfers around the country. The Junior Development Committee is headed by veteran golfer, Niloo Jayathilake and her committee comprises Tharanga Gunasekera, Chandana Weerasinghe, Dian Abeywardena and Harsha Udawatte. Sponsors headed by Ceylon Agro Industries and Prima Group General Manager Sajith Gunaratne, Marketing Manager, Himpa Gunawardena and International Marketing Manager, Achala Ramanayake were present at the awards event.

- Pix by Ruwan Walpola