Triples for Banura and Nipuna at Mahaweli Reach Open

Big-made Banura Jayawardena and diminutive Nipuna Nuwan won triples at the 7th Mahaweli Reach Open Tennis Tournament.

Jayawardena was given a run for his money in the Under-17 event by Akmal Farikdeen. However, his win in the Under-19 event was more comprehensive. Dinuja Palihawadana, his opponent, played the final despite a shoulder injury. Jayawardena and partner Udan Hettiarachchi (who won a double) had it easy in the Under-17 final.

Yohani Herath and Saduni Arambepola, two of the more impressive players among the girls, combined well to take the under 19 title 6-3. Tiara Beneragama, who was all power, swept aside Yohani in the Under-17 Singles event.

Nipuna Nuwan, a student of Mawathagama Central, was probably the best player on view. He won the Under-13 and 15 events as well as the

Boys

Under-15 Doubles. Nipuna, whose father is a tennis coach, had a good left-handed serve, an effective double-fisted backhand and covered the count well. Not surprisingly, he confided that his idol was Rafael Nadal.

Banura Jayawardena was all power, and in his eagerness to hit the cover off the ball, he tended to over hit. He has potential, but his relative bulk impedes his mobility.

Trinitians Jonathan Thomas, Dinuja Palihawadana and Udan Hettiarachchi featured prominently.

This tournament drew players from places such as Colombo, Kandana, Mawathagama and Matale. This is the only one of its kind in Kandy. An aspiring youngster from outside Colombo has only this tournament, the Janaka Bogollagama event in Kurunegala and the Bandarawela open to showcase his skills. It is worthy of note, that some of the matches were played under lights. All in all, the tournament was a success as the increase in numbers (from 80 to 120) shows.

Girls