COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka ‘A’ team, featuring Chalitha Pushpika and Chanaka Perera, trails Pakistan by just one stroke in the Zia-ul-Haq Trophy team championship at the 133rd CEAT Sri Lanka Amateur Open Golf Championship. Meanwhile, Kaya Daluwatte has taken an early lead in the Stroke Play Championship after the first round of the six-day tournament, held at Royal Colombo Golf Club yesterday.
Chalitha Pushpika shot a solid three-over-par 73, securing fifth place in the 77-player field. Chanaka Perera followed closely with a four-over-par 74, bringing Sri Lanka ‘A’s combined score to 147. Pakistan holds a narrow lead with a team total of 146, achieved through Malik Shoaib’s two-over-par 72 and Raja Muhammad Israt’s four-over-par 74.
The Indian contingent dominated individual rankings, with Manoj Sreeramappa leading the field after a remarkable three-under-par 67. Varun Muthappa’s even-par 70 secured second place, and Shayaan Khadri’s two-over-par 72 placed him third, underscoring India’s strength in this tournament.
Pakistan’s Malik Shoaib finished fourth with his two-over-par 72, while Sri Lanka’s Chalitha Pushpika landed in fifth with a commendable three-over-par 73.
Additional standout performances included B. Vinoth of NEGC, who also scored a 73 to secure sixth place, and Jacob Norton, who carded a 74, placing seventh. Raja Muhammad Israt of Pakistan, Samit Dakhane, and Chanaka Perera followed, all tied at 74, rounding out the top ten.
In the Sri Lanka Stroke Play Championship’s Ladies’ Division, Kaya Daluwatte led with a steady five-over-par 76, positioning her as the player to beat in the women’s competition.
As the championship progresses, the battle for the Zia-ul-Haq Trophy remains intense, with Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Pakistan neck-and-neck in a thrilling team competition.
