(UTV|COLOMBO) – Buwaneka Gunatilleka made a fine display to beat National champion Dinuka Karunaratna at the men’s open semifinal of the inaugural Defenders Open Badminton championships at the Army Indoor Stadium Panagoda yesterday. This was the major upset of the day. The same pair met each other at the last National championship semifinal but Dinuka beat Buwaneka at that occasion after hard fought game.
Once again Dinuka the experience shuttler was the favorite to win the match yesterday but Buwaneka played with confidence to control the game with winning first set 21/19. In the second set Dinuka came up with 21/16 to equal the game.
However the deciding third set once again Buwaneka beat Dinuka to ensure his final berth which will be played today evening. In fact this was the first time Buwaneka defeated Dinuka at a major domestic tournament.
Hasitha Chanaka defeated young Dumidu Abeywickrama in straight sets 21/16,21/18 to qualify for the final and will meet Buwaneka today at the grand final.
Meanwhile Thilini Hendahewa outclassed Hasara Wijayaratna 21/16,21/13 to enter the women’s open final. Nadeesha Gayanthi retired hurt during her women’s open semifinal and Dilmi Dias won that match after first set due to Gayanthee’s injury.
Thilini Hendahewa the National champion will meet Dilmi Dias today at the women’s open final.
In the men’s double semifinal math, Sachin Dias partnered with Buwaneka Gunatilleka defeated Karunaratna brothers Dinuka and Diluka in straight sets 21/13, 21/12 while Omal Dharmawardane and Ravidu Ranarhunga created an upset victory over Hasitha Chanaka and R.S.Kasun at the other semifinal 21/18, 7/21, 21/13 .
Meanwhile Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika beat Jananuwani Amanda and Chatiri Ishara 21/6,21/9 to enter women’s doubles final while top seed pair Thilini Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage received walk over from Nadeesha Gayanthi and Oshadi Kuruppu to enter the women’s doubles final.
The finals will be played today at the Panagoda Army Indoor Stadium. Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake will be the Chief Guest today at the awards ceremony. This tournament was organized by the Army Badminton Committee together with Sri Lanka Badminton Association.
Results of the semifinals
Men’s open singles
Buwaneka Gunatilleka beat Dinuka Karunaratna 21/19, 16/21, 21/19
Hasitha Chanaka beat Dumidu Abeywickrama 21/16, 21/18
Women’s open singles
Thilini Hendahewa beat Hasara Wijayaratna 21/15,21/13
Dilmi Dias w/o from Nadeesha Gayanthi
Men’s open doubles
Buwaneka Gunathilleka/Sachin Dias beat Dinuka Karunarata/Diluka Karunaratna 21/13, 21/12
Omal Dharmawardena/ Ravidu Ranathunga beat Hasitha Chanaka/ R.S Kasun 21/18, 7/21, 21/13
Women’s open doubles
Thilini Hendahewa/Kavidi Sirimannage w/o from Nadeesha Gayanthi/ Oshadi Kuruppu
Achini Ratnasiri/ Upuli Samanthika beat Jananuwani Amanda/ Chaturi Ishara 21/6, 21/9
Courtesy: DN
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