Halambage and Hettiarachchi win openers

Rashith Halambage and H.D.L. Hettiarachchi won the boys and girls opening fixtures of the 61st National Badminton Champions that is now in progress at the Royal College Sports complex.

While Rashith Halambage beat Santosh Tilakaratne 21/18, 21/11 in the boys under 15 age group, H.D.L. Hettiarachchi defeated S.M.S. Banadara to win the opening fixture of the under 15 girls segment.

The final rounds will be played at the Nawalapitiya Sports Complex.The championship will continue at the same venue today. Results: Boys Under 15

Rashith Halambage beat Santosh Tilakaratne 21/18, 21/11; Mavindu Hallowluwa beat W.D.K. Durangha 18/21, 21/9, 21/19; D.V. Harischandra beat Rashel Wijetunge 21/16, 19/21, 21/10; Chathura Meegahawatte beat Tharindu Fernando 21/08, 21/08; Manoja Masinghe beat Udara Jayalth 21/18, 21/16. Girls Under 15

H.D.L. Hettiarachchi beat S.M.S. Bandara 21/11, 21/09; Sanduni Nimesha beat Chathuni Wijesekera 21/8, 21/14; Hasini Nimaya beat Sanara Udumalage 21/11, 21/13; Binuri Sudu- singhe beat Samuni Niranya 21/13, 21/08; Hansani Jayasinghe beat Dilki Abeywickrema 21/16, 18/21, 21/18; Hasara Wijeratne beat Sanuni Hewawitharana 21/6, 21/6; NImeshi Punchihewa beat Dimithri Melsha 11/21, 22/20, 21/10; Oshadi Silva beat Dilrikshi Pushpakumara 21/16, 18/21, 21/16. Boys Under 15 doubles:

S. Nimasara and M. Chathuranga beat T. Vitiyala and K. Vithanage 21/10, 21/10; Y.M. Tilakratne and T.V. Rahubadda beat Manuja and Devindu 21/14, 13/21, 22/20.