Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Thursday, 16 July 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Ishira Fernando fired three birdies and a string of pars to be one under after 16 holes, defeating Adrian Bakelmun convincingly 4 and 2 to book a place in the semifinal of the Pin Fernando Trophy.
Chandana Weerasinghe defeated Suren Waas 5 and 4, while Ravindra Wijegunaratne played consistent golf to overhaul Sheron Fernando one up on the 18th in a close contest.
Fernando, holding a one up lead heading to the 15th hole, birdied at the 15th to halve the hole having to give a stroke. However, a missed shot off the 16th tee and a brilliant tee shot reply by Wijegunaratne to seal a birdie drew the match level. Wijegunaratne won the 17th playing with confidence and halved the 18th to move into the semifinal.
In a cliffhanger, the top-seeded Fernando gave away eight strokes to Diresh Palihena and pulled the match out of the bag. Diresh, one up playing the 18th hole, hit the green side bunker with his second shot while Fernando chipped and putted to make par and squared the match to go down the 19th. The youngster held his nerve but was lucky to survive when Diresh three putted, missed a two-foot putt for the match and going down the 20th hole, Fernando won the sudden death tussle to stay in contention. Fernando now meets Ishira Fernando in the first semifinal, while Chandana Weerasinghe battles Wijeguneratne for a place in the final on Friday.
Top seed Sharon Hall played excellent golf to brush aside experienced golfer and captain of the RCGC Ladies, Neesha Nirmalalingam 4 and 3, to reach the semifinal of the Pam Fernando Trophy. Swen Selvaratnam was stretched to the limit by Suni Nirmalalingam, who fought all the way to be edged out on the 18th hole. Michelle Mirchandani played consistent golf in a bold attempt to give nine strokes but could not cope with the putting skill of Roshini Sangani, who overcame Michelle 2 and 1. In an epic tussle between two high handicappers, number 2 seed Fran De Mel overcame Sumithra Ukwatte on the 19th hole.
