COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Rehan Gunawardena clinched the Under-16 Singles title at the ATF Under-16 Tennis Tournament after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ashlin de Silva in an all-Sri Lankan final at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts in Colombo.
The match was an intense battle that saw both players display grit and technical prowess. Gunawardena, who had a rocky start, lost the first set 5-7. However, he showed remarkable composure and determination as he bounced back to win the second set 6-4. In the deciding set, de Silva appeared to be on course for victory, leading 5-1 at one point. But Gunawardena’s persistence paid off as he mounted a stunning comeback, winning the final set 7-5 to seal the championship.
“I just kept my focus and believed in myself, even when I was behind,” Gunawardena said after the match. “The key was staying calm and not letting the pressure get to me. I knew I could turn it around.”
Gunawardena, representing Wesley College Colombo, captured his first-ever ATF title with the win, a breakthrough in his young career.
The match against de Silva, a top player from St. Peter’s College was an emotional seesaw, with both athletes showing because they are among the best of their age group.
