Pakistani youngster Ahmed Baig wins HSBC inaugural junior individual event at RCGC

The HSBC Sri Lanka International Junior Golf Championship got underway at the RCGC Ridgeways Golf Course, with the inaugural individual event attracting 100 entries in four different age categories.

Long-hitting Pakistani Ahmed Baig returned an excellent 2 over par 73 in the opening round of the first-ever Sri Lanka Junior international Championship, to clinch the top individual trophy by one stroke from teammate Saqib Gross 74 while Januka Dilshan, the Sri Lanka captain, was the second runner-up, another stroke away on a gross of 75.

The girls’ category combining the Gold and Silver Division was won by Taniya Minel Balasuriya with a 78, one stroke ahead of Kayla Perera on 79, with Nashima Akhter of Bangladesh gaining the second runner-up berth with a gross of 82.

In the Silver Division for boys 12-14+ age group, Damil Ataulla of Pakistan won with a gross of 80 from Dilshan Malinda, who was the runner-up on a count back, tied with K. Danushan and S. Dhuwarshanon on a gross of 85.

Nirekh Tejwani was a clear winner in the Bronze Division 10-11+ age group played over 14 holes, returning a gross of 63 (8 over par), 10 strokes ahead of the runner-up Pranav Muralidharan, who edged out Shanal Binushka and Sherin Mithara on a count back tied on 73 gross.

The Copper Division for boys and girls age group 9+ and under saw Reshan Algama win by a comfortable three strokes from Shunuk Fernando and Kaya Daluwatte, with a gross score of 44 over nine holes.

The HSBC International Junior Golf Team Championship will tee off at the RCGC following the flag hoisting ceremony to mark the inaugural Junior International Golf Championship sponsored by HSBC. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet in the final of the HSBC International Team Championship, whilst nine two-member teams will vie for the Sri Lanka Golf Union Junior Team Championship, representing Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The inaugural Junior International Golf Championship augurs well for the future of golf with the best juniors in the South Asian region competing from a tender age in preparation for future stardom.

The HSBC Junior International Golf Championship is supported by several prestigious event partners. Cinnamon Life as the hospitality partner provided accommodation to all the international teams whilst MAS Kreeda, the apparel partner, generously provided sportswear for the grassroots program. IMORICH from Elephant House has come forward as the indulgence partner whilst Olu water will support the event as the official beverage provider together with Callaway Golf, the renowned golf brand, the equipment sponsor.