COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Royal College displayed their tennis dominance by defeating Ananda College 3-0 in the final to secure the Under-19 A Division Championship of the All Island Schools Tennis Championship, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Tennis Association, concluded at the Queen’s Club courts yesterday.
The Royalists’ victory was decisive, as they won two singles matches and one doubles match without dropping a set. In the first singles, Ashmal Bilal triumphed in a closely contested match, winning 7-6 (7-5) in the tiebreak and 7-5. Royal’s vice-captain and national Under-18 Champion, Methvan Wijemanne, delivered a commanding performance in the second singles, winning convincingly with scores of 6-0 and 6-1.
The doubles match featured the partnership of Kavish Maddumage and Jamal Sabry, who effectively sealed the championship for Royal College, highlighting the team’s overall strength and cohesion.
In the semi-finals held last week at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts, Royal College had already demonstrated their prowess by defeating St. Peter’s College 3-0, paving their way to the final.
Earlier in the day, Reid Avenue School claimed the Division II Under-19 team title, adding to the day’s tennis excitement.
“It was a good team effort. All the players were given the chance to play in the 10-member pool, and everyone performed well,” remarked Royal Tennis Coach Renouk Wijemanne, emphasizing the collective contribution of the team.
In previous rounds of the tournament, Royal College also overcame their traditional rivals, St. Thomas’ College and St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, in the group stages. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Royal, who were eliminated in the semi-finals last year, excelleing in reclaiming the championship title.
