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Commander's Cup Men's winner Sanjeew Ariyarathne
Shamseer Jaleel reporting from China Bay
Top class golfers Sanjeewa Ariyarathne and Anusha Senadheera stamped their class by winning the Men’s and Women’s segment respectively at the 8th edition of the Sri Lankan Air Force conducted annual Commander’s Cup 2021.
This mega event was organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force Golf Committee at the beautiful and probably the best course in South Asia, the picturesque Eagles Golf Link located in China Bay, Trincomalee last weekend. Over 80 golfers both local and overseas took part in this annual event.
It was a week-end of golf in Trincomalee and one of the most challenging golf courses in the country getting the best out of the golfers in a narrow fairway.
Overall winner and defending champion, Surain Premathilake too was in top form ending on a tie with the actual winner, Sanjeewa Ariyaratne and runner up, Janaka Thebuwana. But on count back Sanjeewa came on top to win in his maiden appearance in China Bay. Sanjeewa had a good start but lost his way from the second hole. But he bounced back gradually and ended on top with some powerful shots plus being accurate.
Evergreen golfer and defending women’s champion, Niloo Jayathilake had to be satisfied with a runner up in the Women’s main event she lost out to Anusha Senadheera who was in sparkling form with her pin point accuracy and powerful shots in the challenging golf course. Niloo earlier accounted for the trophy in 2018. Another former Commander’s Cup winner in 2019, Janaka Thebuwana became the runner up in the Men’s main event.
Overall winner Sanjeewa Ariyarathne told Daily FT: “Fairways are very narrow and this was my very first time. I was on low energy in the morning hours. Coming all the way from Kandy it was tiring. I started off well. From the second onwards I went down badly. Midway I wanted to give up. The next shot could be my best. I had to believe. I came back gradually into the game and end was good. Things came into place. I used to play in Digana. Last year I was a bit too late to register so this was my debut appearance in Trincomalee. I have been playing serious golf for the last four years. I would like to thank my friend Chaturanga Perera who got me in to golf.”
Very strict health guidelines were followed by the organisers, the Sri Lanka Air Force, who will also support by holding the annual Inter Club Sevens rugby event later in March 2021 at its Ratmalana ground.
The event was very well organised, headed by Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the former Rajans sportsman and one of the best golfers, who is keen to give a boost to sports in the country and show the way forward given the tough situation around the globe due to COVID-19.
Defence Ministry Secretary Gen (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne who participated in the event presented the awards at a colourful ceremony hosted by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Results
Commander’s Cup (Women’s)
Commander’s Cup (Men’s)
Eagles Challenge Trophy
Commander's Cup Women's winner Anusha Senadheera
