Squash: Men’s champ defends title; three-times women’s champ downed by maiden winner

In a classic - 42nd Squash Senior Nationals - nine-times men's champions Ravindu Laksiri defended his title and a fresh face emerged as Chanithma Sinaly defeated three-time women's winner, Fathoum Issadeen, at the SSC, recently. 

In the men's category, Laksiri proved his prowess and reminded as to why is the men's best, comprehensively beating Shamil Wakeel 11-3, 11-2, 11-1.

Laksiri, having enjoyed a fantastic year winning one Professional Squash Association (PSA) International title and three PSA satellite titles this year, has already broken into top 150 in the world so far and with this win his world rank is expected to improve.

On the other hand, the women’s category took a major twist, when after three-years on-the-trot, a new-found-face was found in Chanithma

The 17-year-old women's champ, though, had a close-shave in the opening two sets, Chanithma easily won the third set too, making it a straight set victory against this year's Commonwealth Games discard, Fathoum. (11-8, 11-8, 11-5).  

Chanithma had to wait for three long years to fulfil her dream after losing to Issadeen in a five setter and a four setter during last two years. Chanithma, too, had an impressive year when she won the plate events at Asian Junior Squash championship and Mixed doubles event at Commonwealth Games this year.

Winners and Runners up of the Open event walked away with Cash prizes worth LKR 150,000, trophies, medals and certificates with all winners of other categories receiving valuable medals and certificates.

Sri Lankan Squash players were able to secure many International wins including 5 PSA satellite events and 1 PSA International event while even reaching top 150 in International rankings in 2022 and Sri Lanka Squash concluded the year in grand style with this championship.

*Updated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Sri Lankan Time with additional inputs from Sri Lanka Squash

(Pics - Sri Lanka Squash)