Nishantha Fernando (Men) Chalani Lakmali (Women) crowned Champs
Nishantha Fernando and Chalani Lakmali proved they had not lost their touch after a long lay off, by clinching the Men’s and Women’s titles at the pre-national Carrom Championships at Kohuwela.
Both Slicers exhibited a high standard when they won the championships without much difficulty, defeating their opponents 2-0 in the finals.
The Open Carrom C’ship was conducted only in two categories in Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events. Chamil Cooray heads the ‘Slams’ table with 1 White Slam while Nishantha Fernando, Lalith Hewage and Amila Karunaratne scored a Black Slam each.
Much was expected in the Men’s final, as both finalists had to fight all the way to emerge winners in the semifinals, defeating Prabath Yatawara and M. Sheriffdeen who went down fighting. The 2Women’s finalists reached the final without any difficulty, wining in straight sets, giving no chances to their opponents, who failed to reach double figures.
To the delight of Slicers islandwide, after a break of more than 9 months, the newly elected Carrom Federation officials organised and conducted the 2018 Open Carrom Championship which concluded at the Carrom Federation Headquarters, Kohuwela, last weekend.
More than 200 Slicers took part in this highly competitive event for both Men and Women. The 50th National Carrom Championship is scheduled to be held on Jan.20 and the Sri Lanka Carrom Federation has called for entries.
Results
Men
Semi-finals: Mohamed Shaheed beat Prabath Yatawara, 2-1 (25/7, 7/25, 25/5) Nishantha Fernando beat M. Sherifdeen 2-1 (25/21, 14/21, 16/14)
Final: Nishantha Fernando beat Mohamed Shaheed, 2-0 (25/0, 22/16)
Women
Semi-finals: Chalani Lakmali beat Joseph Roshita, 2-0 (25/6, 25/8) Yasika Rahubaddha beat Maduka Dilshani, 2-0 (20/10, 18/7)
Final: Chalani Lakmali beat Yasika Rahubaddha, 2-0 (25/11, 21/10)