Top seed Akash dethrones Vinod to win Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy

T. Akash claimed the Open/Gold Division age group for Boy’s of 18 years old and below played for the coveted Rukmini Kodgoda Trophy and the Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Champion at the Royal Colombo Gold Club course in Rajagiriya.

Akash who played excellent golf of 2 over par dethroned last year’s winner Vinod Weerasinghe after a stiff battle 4. Akash played a composed game showing his maturity as a player demanded for the match play format.

In the Open Girl’s category Taniya Minel had an easy win over Anelka Desinghe, 7/6. Anelka was no match for Taniya’s improved game hitting long off the tees and sharp short game. However it was encouraging to see Anelka make the final and likely to see her talent blossoming in the future. Taniya lifted the prestigious trophy for the first time.

In the Silver Division for age group of Under- 15 years, top seed Dilshan Malinda was defeated by S. Dhuwarshan of Nuwara Eliya 2 up, creating the biggest upset of the tournament. The win was an encouragement to the Junior Golf Development programme structured by the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. Dhuwarshan showed his metal being 2 down after 4 holes but sinking a birdie on the 5th hole to gain confidence and take the up on the turn, whith the lead he continued until the end.

Emerging talent was evident in the Bronze Division for the age group of 12 years and below with Yannik Kumara playing impeccable golf, chipping and putting where as Nireskh Tejwani though long off the tees could not convert the putts. Both players show much promise though Yannik went on to win the division 5/4.

In the most Junior Category, the Copper Division, for 9 years and under, there was a ding dong battle between Kaya Daluwatta and Reshan Algama for the top spot. The match was played over 9 holes and Reshan managed the win on the final hole for par against Kaya’s bogey.

The prize distribution was hosted by the sponsor Perera and Sons Bakers and the tournament was organised by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU), the governing body for Golf in Sri Lanka. The prizes were given by the President of the SLGU, Priath Fernando, sponsors Gihan Perera, Sweenetha Rodrigo, John Scarth and Vice President of SLGU Johnny de Saram.