Jacob and Sithara win in Hill Country

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka President’s Cup Junior Open Golf Championship 2026 concluded at the historic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC). The Challenging hill-country conditions tested the field, yet the young players responded with composed and confident performances.

In the Senior Open Division (19–25), Jacob Norton displayed consistency from the opening round, finishing with an impressive three-day total of 225 to secure the title. Hiruka Thathsara followed as runner-up with an aggregate of 250 after a steady showing throughout the tournament.

The Copper Division (Under-9) highlighted the next generation of talent. Pradeep Hakshara claimed the championship with a total of 143, demonstrating control beyond his years. Ompragash Thrinyani placed second on 195, while in the boys’ segment Usara Nugegoda won with 125 ahead of Thisura Premarathne, who finished runner-up on 128.

Competition was equally engaging in the Bronze Division (10–11 years). Fathima Zeeniya secured the girls’ title with a score of 176, with Mushfira Muzammil finishing second on 184. In the boys’ event, Yuvan Rathiskanth impressed with 148 to take top honours, while Dhyana Perera ended runner-up with 176.

In the Silver Division (12–18 years), Vidar Thisaranath dominated the girls’ competition with a winning total of 265, as Venudi Keerthana finished second on 312. In the boys’ 12–14 category, Udheera Bandara won with 232 while Lithum Silva placed runner-up on 283.

The Gold Division (15–18 years) showed elite junior standards. Sithara Lorance clinched the girls’ title with 268, followed by Kaitlyn Norton on 287. In the boys’ competition, Lavidu Premarathna emerged champion with 217, with Thejas Rathikanth finishing second.