Kaya Daluwatte and Chanaka Perera reach Amateur Championship finals

Monday, 29 September 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kaya Daluwatte

Chanaka Perera

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 134th Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, the second oldest amateur tournament in the world, sponsored by CEAT Europe, is set for a thrilling finale as two of Sri Lanka’s finest talents, Chanaka Perera and Kaya Daluwatte booked their places in the Championship finals.

In the Gents category, national standout Chanaka Perera displayed exceptional consistency and composure throughout the week. Known for his steady temperament under pressure, Perera worked his way past strong opponents including Lavindu Premarathna, Husni Uwise, Chalitha Pushpika, and national teammate Sachin de Silva. His all-round control and ability to rise in crunch moments ensured his berth in the prestigious final, where he will take on Pakistan’s Saad Habib Malik. Malik, equally determined, reached the final after hard-fought victories over M.D. Sanjeewa, Jacob Norton, Vivian Ubhayakar of India, and a decisive semi-final win over Reshan Algama. The stage is set for a gripping Sri Lanka–Pakistan clash.

Meanwhile, in the 119th Ladies Amateur Championship, Kaya Daluwatte has been the standout performer. Fresh off her remarkable course-record round of 65 (seven-under-par), Kaya has carried her sparkling form into the match play stages. She secured confident victories over Tiru Jesudasan and Jade Jiggens to storm into the final. There, she will face Asara Sawhney, who advanced after beating Sadamali Sumanaratne and receiving a walkover from Anouk Chitty. With Daluwatte’s power and precision matched against Asara’s steady approach, the final promises high-quality golf and fierce competition.

The F B de Mel Cup produced two gripping semi-final clashes before the grand final. In the opening semi, Elsie Pathmanathan was in top form, securing a convincing 4/2 win over Eline Sterchi to book her place in the title match. The second semi-final saw a much tighter battle. Viv Fowler Watt held her nerve in a close contest against Aaraadhi Samaratatne, edging through with a narrow one-up victory to advance to the final.

The final was played in great spirit, with Viv Fowler Watt producing a strong all-round performance. She outplayed Elsie Pathmanathan 4/2 to clinch the F B de Mel Cup, adding her name to the rich history of the championship.