Reshan and Kaya prove their class in Junior Golf

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 01:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship 2025 saw both top-class junior golfers emerging winners, with Reshan Algama winning the Boys’ championship and Kaya Daluwatte accounting for the Girls’ segment, at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) over four days of top-class golf.

This tournament was once again sponsored by Perera & Sons.

In the Boys’ Gold Division final for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy, seasoned campaigner Algama overcame Thangadorai Deshan, famously dubbed the giant killer of the tournament. Deshan, with accurate iron play and a steely short game, closed out the match 3/2 to secure the title.

In the Girls’ Gold Division, Sri Lanka’s most promising young golfing sensation Kaya Daluwatte lived up to her reputation against Aaraadhi Samararatne, clinching a victory 7/6.

In the Silver Division, the Boys’ title was won by Thejas Rathiskanth (2/1 over Lavidu Premarathna), while the Girls’ champion was Genuli Weerakoon (2 up over Sithara Lorance).

The Bronze Division champions were Revaan Amarasinghe (3/2 over Yuvan Rathiskanth) in the Boys’ segment and Vihara Herat (2/1 over Mihnelli Herat) in the Girls’ segment. Amarasinghe showed impressive shot-making and maturity beyond his years, keeping a steady lead throughout the match to seal the win with two holes to spare.

The Copper Division Boys’ championship was snagged by Abhiman Abeywardane, edging out India’s Ryan Advik 1 up in a nail-biting finish that went to the final hole. In the Girls’ Copper Division, Dulkini Kangara displayed great control and accuracy to defeat Ananya Kishanthan 4/3, sealing her victory with three holes to spare.

The skills competitions added extra excitement, with Anumi Karunathilaka (Girls) and Thejas Rathiskanth (Boys) emerging as the Closest to the PIN winners. The Longest Drive champions included Varun Fernando (Boys’ Gold Division) and Kaya Daluwatte (Girls’ Gold Division) from the two main division winners. (SJ)