Saturday Nov 02, 2024
FT
Saturday Nov 02, 2024
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Prima Sunrise Bread is once again stepping in to sponsor of the Regional Junior Open Golf Championship continuing their support in the ongoing commitment to nurturing junior golf talent in the country this edition in Hambantota.
The upcoming tournament, scheduled from 17 to 20 October, will take place at the scenic Shangri-La’s Golf Resort and Spa. This marks a much-anticipated return to the challenging Hambantota course, which last hosted the Regional Junior Open in 2020.
The recently concluded regional event in Rajawella, Kandy set the stage for an exciting showdown in Hambantota. Reshan Algama fresh from Asia Amateur Golf Championship appearance in Gotemba, Japan will lead the pack. He won the overall Gold title with a 24 shot margin. Second placed was another star, Yannik Kumara (243) and Jacob Norton (253) ended third in the last event in Rajawella, Digana.
As the Hambantota Regional Junior Open approaches, the golfing community anticipates fierce competition. Yannik Kumara and Jacob Norton, who finished behind Algama in Digana, are set to provide stiff competition, making this year’s event one to watch with Jevahn Sathasivam competing.
In the Girls’ Gold/Silver division, Sithara Lorance emerged as the victor with a total score of 290. Hot on her heels was Keya Abeyratne (295), followed by Thiumi Gunasekera (315), making it a tightly contested division.
The return to Hambantota for the Regional Junior Open marks a significant event in the golfing calendar. The picturesque and demanding Shangri-La course is known for testing the mettle of young golfers, and past tournaments have produced some memorable performances. Notably, the 2020 edition saw present lady professional Taniya Minel, along with junior stars like Yannik Kumara, Reshan Algama, Kaya Daluwatte, and Thejas Rathis Kanth, shine. Taniya Balasooriya sets a new course record for the ladies, further adding to the tournament’s legacy.
