Jackie trounces Sayanika in Royal Colombo Cup finals

There was a tremendous struggle for supremacy in the semi-final between Sayanika de Silva Fernando and Anouk Chanmugam Chitty. Both very talented, excellent players gone rusty with the pleasures of marriage and the responsibilities of domestic chores, they are battling to regain old style and form and there is much evidence they will recapture what they lost a few years ago. It was a dingdong struggle which stretched to the 19th, studded with brilliant stroke play by both. Eventually Anouk sadly made one mistake, and Sayanika pounced to victory.

In the other semi, Suwineetha Selvaratnam, a past champion had a helluva hard time containing the stylish accurate striker, Jackie Dias. Jackie was unmatchable as she sparkled her way to a resounding victory 5 & 4.

Jackie was Classy
Jackie Dias was unstoppable all the way in her final against Sayanika Fernando. She picked a procession of pars with superbly accurate approach shots. Off the tee she was long and smart, and almost error free on the greens. Sayanika failed to pull herself together, strayed often and was messed up on the greens. Jackie was absolutely relentless piling up a massive lead to end with a majestic victory of 7 & 6, and take the crown of Ladies’ Champion 2006. She was treated to resounding applause after the game at the awards ceremony.

Bronze Cup
The competition for the trophy drew only eight competitors. Fran de Mel and Y. Inoue fought their way to the finals in what appeared to be a very lively friendly contest. There was very little to choose between the two ladies, and quite naturally there was a struggle. One up, one down, all square, was the pattern of play, ending all square on the 18th. Stretched to the 19th, Inoue made certain she was there while Fran de Mel failed to be in the reckoning. Inoue was a popular winner of the Bronze Trophy 2006.

Awards & Rewards
Superbly put together, well patronised and profusely sponsored by Goodman Lanka, a Chandra Senanayake enterprise, the awards ceremony was full of merriment. The seniors supported and so did fair numbers from the Korean and Japanese communities.

Roshini Sangani compered the evening’s proceedings skilfully and Radha Sundarampillai’s opening address was outstanding. Inevitably dancing squeezed in, adding more life to the party which was a great success. There was nothing especially fashionable, but the casual attire was eye catching with Ranjitha Subramaniam, Charmaine Mylvaganam, Niloo Jayatilleke and Roshini Sangani getting undivided attention.