Golf: Aravind wins in 2nd sudden-death Hole

Aravind Fernando survived a real test as he set himself in the semi-final against Ishira Fernando in the qualifying round of the Pin Fernando Trophy 2015 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Colombo.   Ishira fired three birdies and a string of Pars to be One Under after 16 holes to defeat Adrian Bakelmun convincingly 4 and 2 to book a place in the semi-final. Chandana Weerasinghe defeated Suren Waas 5and 4, while Ravindra Wijegunaratne played consistent golf to overhaul Sheron Fernando 1 up on the 18th in a close contest.   Sheron holding a 1up lead going to the 15th hole birdied the 15th to halve the hole having to give a stroke.   However, a missed shot off the 16th Tee and a brilliant Tee shot reply by Ravindra to seal a birdie drew the match all-square.   Ravindra won the 17th playing with confidence and halved the 18th to move in to the semi-final.   In a cliff-hanger top seeded Aravind Fernando gave away eight strokes to Diresh Palihena and pulled the match out of the bag as it were.   Diresh, 1 up playing the 18th hole hit the green side bunker with his second shot while young Aravind chipped and putted to make Par and Squared the Match to go down the 19th.   The youngster held his nerve but was lucky to survive when Diresh 3 putted, missed a 2 foot putt for the match and going down the 20th hole as Aravind won the sudden death tussle to stay in contention.   Aravind now meets Ishira in the first semi-final, while Weerasinghe battles Wijeguneratne for a place in the final on Friday (17).   Top seed Sharon Hall played excellent golf to brush aside experienced golfer and captain of the RCGC Ladies Neesha Nirmalalingam 4 and 3 to reach the semi-final of the Pam Fernando Trophy 2015.   Swen Selvaratnam was stretched to the maximum by Suni Nirmalalingam who fought all the way to be edged out on the 18th hole. Michelle Mirchandani played consistent golf in a bold attempt to give 9 strokes but couldn’t cope with the putting skill of Roshini Sangani who overcame Michelle 2 and 1.   In an epic tussle between two high handicappers, number 2 seed Fran de Mel overcame Sumithra Ukwatte on the 19th hole.   Pin Fernando Trophy 2015 – Semi-final line-up Aravind Fernando vs Ishira Fernando Ravindra Wijegunaratne vs Chandana Weerasinghe   Pam Fernando Trophy 2015 Results of Quarter-finals Sharon Hall defeated Neesha Nirmalalingam 4 & 3 Swen Selvaratnam defeated Suni Nirmalalingam 1 Up Roshini Sangani defeated Michelle Mirchandani 2 & 1 Fran de Mel defeated Sumithra Ukwatte 19th Hole   Pam Fernando Trophy – Semi-final line-up Sharon Hall vs Swen Selvaratnam Roshini Sangani vs Fran de Mel