COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka ‘A’ team, consisting of Chalitha Pushpika and Chanaka Perera, triumphed in both the Team Championship and the Zia-ul-Haq Trophy, securing an eight-stroke victory over Pakistan after seven years at the 133rd CEAT Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on Wednesday.
After trailing by a single stroke on the first day, Sri Lanka’s Pushpika and Perera delivered impressive performances to seal the win. Pushpika posted a brilliant even-par 71, finishing third overall with a total of 144, while Perera carded a solid one-over-par 72 for a total of 146.
Sri Lanka last won the Zia-ul-Haq Trophy at the 130th Sri Lanka Amateur Open Golf Championship in 2017, held at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. The victory was secured by two Sri Lankans, Sisira Kumara and N. Amarapadma, marking a memorable achievement for the nation in the prestigious tournament.
Pakistan’s Malik Shaoib, who posted a three-over-par 74, and Raja Muhammad Israt, who shot a seven-over-par 79, finished with totals of 146 and 152 respectively, falling short of the Sri Lankan duo.
The victory also marked a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, as the team clinched the Zia-ul-Haq Trophy, a competition between the two nations.
Sri Lanka ‘B,’ featuring first-time competitors Jevahn Sathasivam and PDSU Kumara, secured a commendable third-place finish with a total gross score of 316 in their debut Sri Lanka appearance. Sathasivam posted impressive rounds of 79 and 76, while Kumara added scores of 81 and 80, showcasing steady play throughout qualifying rounds and the team competition.
Meanwhile, in the individual standings of the Sri Lanka Amateur Championship, India’s Manoj Sreeramappa extended his lead with an impressive two-under-par 69. His total gross of 136 placed him six strokes ahead of the competition.
Indian compatriot Varun Muthappa carded an even-par 71, bringing his total to 141, which earned him second place. Shayaan Khadri of India posted a one-over-par 72, securing fourth place with a total of 144, while Suraj Joshi, also from India, finished fifth after a one-under-par 70, bringing his total to 146.
In the Sri Lanka Ladies’ Stroke Play Championship, Kaya Daluwatte maintained her lead with a stellar even-par 72, bringing her total to 148. Anouk Chitty followed closely in second place with a total of 164, marking a strong challenge from the Sri Lanka Golf Secretary.
