Pushpika finishes fifth
Sri Lanka’s Chalitha Pushpika produced an unexpected but commendable performance, finishing at fifth place at the 38th Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship, concluded at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka yesterday. Despite starting the tournament with strong performances, Pushpika ended with a total score of 12-over par and a gross total of 300 after four rounds of play. Pushpika, who had been in a strong position after the second round, where he carded a 73, was expected to challenge for the title.
However, he struggled in the final round, posting a 6-over par score of 78. His earlier rounds included scores of 74, 75, and 73, giving him a total of 300 in the event. Despite this setback, the Sri Lanka Navy golfer’s performance was still an improvement on his sixth-place finish at last year’s championship. Nepal’s Sadbhav Acharya emerged champion, securing a victory with a 3-over par total of 291, thanks to a stunning 1-over par 73 in the final round. Host nation Bangladesh’s Shafiqul Islam claimed the runner-up spot with a 9-over par 297, while his compatriot Shahabuddin, part of Bangladesh’s ‘A’ team, also finished tied for second place with a score of 297. M.D. Shamim’s impressive under-par 72 in the final round helped him claim fourth place, just ahead of Pushpika.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Chanaka Perera, entering the tournament as a private entry, finished at seventh with a total gross score of 308. Perera’s rounds included scores of 81, 75, 79, and 73. A standout performance came from Stafford International School’s Jacob Norton, who was making his debut at the international amateur level. Despite being a newcomer, Norton showed great promise, finishing in 31st place with a gross total of 328. His rounds were 81, 83, 85, and a strong 79 in the final round, making his debut one to remember.