Nuwara Eliya, November 21 Friday (ePRESS) – Ten-year-old prodigy Abhiman Abeywardhana of the Golf Academy Anuradhapura stamped his class with a scintillating opening round, storming to a commanding seven-stroke lead in the Copper Division at the Nuwara Eliya Regional Junior Open Golf Championship 2025, organized by Sri Lanka Golf, which teed off at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.
Competing in the Boys’ Green Markers nine-hole category for players aged 10 and under, Abeywardhana – who celebrated his birthday only days ago – produced a brilliant gross score of 38. His clinical accuracy and calm temperament on the tricky Nuwara Eliya layout placed him well ahead of his nearest challenger and teammate, Usara Nugegoda, who returned a gross 45 to settle in second place.
Jayalath Guruge of Ananda College followed closely with a gross 46 to secure third place, while Thisura Premarathna of Anuradhapura carded 47 to stay within striking distance as the competition heads into its second day.
In the Girls’ Copper Division (nine holes / 10 and under), Thangaraja Sanuthi Sithumli of the Royal Colombo Golf Club established an unassailable lead with a gross score of 51. Home-club hopeful Pradeep Hakshhara of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club finished the day in second place with 63, while Dinara Perera of Welisara claimed third with 66.
With two more rounds to play, all eyes will remain firmly on young Abhiman, whose composed start has set the perfect platform for a potential runaway victory as the championship continues over the weekend.
