Reshan and Sherin win Gold in Central Hills

Regional Junior winners in all segments with SLG and VGR officials

Gold Segment winner in the Boys event Reshan Algama

Sherin Balasuriya won Gold for Girls segment 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Reshan Algama (Boys) and Sherin Balasuriya (Girls) were the lightning stars in the Central Hills when they won their Gold Segment for Boys and Girls at the Prima Sunrise sponsored Kandy Regional Junior Open Golf Championship which took place at the Victoria Golf Resort (VGR) in Rajawella last weekend.

Colombo International School (CIS), Reshan Algama stellar performance not only solidified his status as a golf sensation but also underscored the potential for golf to become a primary sport in Sri Lanka.

Starting the day just one shot behind the leader Jevahn, Algama showcased nerves of steel and a brilliant one-over-par score of 151, ultimately defeating his competitors by a six-stroke margin. This triumph marked his second consecutive Regional Tournament win, proving that Algama is a force to be reckoned with.

Jevahn Sathasivam, who led the tournament at the start of day 1, finished with a score of 157. Jevahn too showed his class and a player who could be hitting the top in the near future. Algama's exceptional play over the final five holes showcased his determination and composure under pressure coming strongly in the end bringing the best out of him and saving the best for the last.

In the highly competitive Gold Division (12 - 18+ years, 18 Holes), Sherin Balasuriya emerged victorious with a score of 155, defeating Dhevinka Kanag-Isvaran by a substantial margin (175).

Silver Division (12 - 14+ years, 18 Holes) saw Anuradhapura's dominance, with Adithya Weerasinghe (156) and Janeesh Weerasinghe (163) clinching the top two spots. Keya Abhayaratne stood atop the Silver Division (12 - 14+ years, 18 Holes) with a score of 187, outshining the competition. Dilini Amarwansa from Anuradhapura secured the second position.

In the Bronze Division (10 - 11+ years, 14 Holes) for boys, Revaan Amarasinghe exhibited exceptional skill, claiming the top position with a score of 132. Bronze Division (10 - 11+ years, 14 Holes) for girls was won by Vihara Herath from Anuradhapura with Genuli Weerakoon coming in second.

Copper Division (9+ and Under-9 years, 9 Holes) witnessed Jaeden Sathasivam's younger brother Jevahn impressive victory with a score of 81. Another top breed Yuvan Rathis Kanth ended on number 2. Ananya Kishanthan clinched the Copper Division (9+ and Under-9 years, 9 Holes) for girls, solidifying her place at the top with a score of 103, while P. Naveeshana secured the second position.

This exciting tournament not only showcased the incredible talent of Sri Lanka's Junior Golfers but also highlighted the importance of nurturing and promoting the sport at a grassroots level. Sri Lanka Golf Union deserves commendation for organising such an event, providing a platform for young talents to shine with the sponsor, Prima Sunrise propping up on the final day of the event plus with Junior Golf for more than 15 years in tandem is commendable during a tough economic condition for any business at present.