Colombo, Jan 12, 6.45PM – First Capital Holdings PLC proudly takes on the role of the principal (title) sponsor for the SSC Open Tennis Championship for the third consecutive year. The SSC Open 2024 is set to captivate tennis enthusiasts from January 6 to January 21, 2024, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) tennis courts.
This championship, a significant open ranking tennis tournament, marks the beginning of the 2024 tennis calendar year. With over 750 entries, it stands out as one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year.
Vasantha Wijesekera, SSC Honorary Secretary, expressed excitement about the historical significance of this year’s championship, celebrating 125 years of SSC. He highlighted the First Capital SSC Open Ranking Championship as the kickoff for the 2024 tennis season. The championship, dating back to the 1980s and revived in the late 1990s, has been a platform for national players to shine internationally. Noteworthy features include equal prize money for men and women, chair umpires, live TV coverage of the finals, and high standards for players and spectators.
Randinith Madanayake, Head of Marketing at First Capital, emphasized the importance of their continued partnership, expressing delight in contributing to tennis in Sri Lanka. This collaboration aligns with First Capital’s “Performance-First” ethos and supports SSC’s pursuit of excellence in the game.
Under the governance of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association and organized by the SSC Tennis House Committee, the championship upholds the traditions of the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club throughout its 125-year journey.
The tournament has been a launchpad for emerging talents, displaying their skills and becoming household names in the Sri Lankan tennis community. This year’s championship includes events for Girls and Boys from under 12 to under 18 (Singles and Doubles), Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, along with Veterans events for over 35, over 45, and over 55 age groups.
The event is expected to feature prominent players like defending Champion Saajida Razick, Davis Cup players Chathurya Nilaweera, Apna Perera, and Thehan Wijemanne, Billie Jean King Cup players Vishmi Serasinghea, Dinethya Dharmaratne, and Inuki Jayaweera, as well as rising star Dinara De Silva.
Alongside First Capital Holdings PLC, co-sponsors 3 G Sports (Head Tennis Balls), Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), and Perera and Sons (P&S) continue their longstanding support. YETI Hydration will serve as the official hydration partner, with Ms. Shehara Medawala as the tournament referee and Mr. Aruna Seneviratne and Mr. Chammika De Silva as the Tournament Directors.