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| Sunday, 14 December 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Shuttler Niluka first Lankan to reach finals of IBF Grand Prix Tourney by Lal Gunasekera For the first time in the history of badminton in Sri Lanka, a shuttler reached the finals of an International Badminton Federation (IBF) Grand Prix Tournament when the reigning national champion 18-year-old Niluka Karunaratne reached the final of the men's singles at the Welsh International Championships in Wales. Karunaratne, who is touring Great Britain, is the most talented young shuttler produced by the country in recent times and the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) is doing its best to give him as much experience as possible and expose him more on the international scene. On his way to the final of the men's singles, Karunaratne overcame a Welsh and English player in the qualifying rounds to enter the main draw. He beat Scotland's Craig Goodard 15-2, 15-6 in the first-round, Graham Simpson another Scotish player in an interesting three-setter 15-4, 12-15, 17-14 in the second round, Denmark's Gavnholt also in a three-setter 15-6, 12-15, 15-5 in the quarter-finals and Tony Honey of England again in a three-setter 15-10, 15-17, 15-2 in the semi-finals. Then in the final, Karunaratne lost to the bottom seeded Wansyah of Wales in straight sets 9-15, 7-15 and according to news reaching Colombo, he fought to the very end, but conceded victory to his more experienced opponent. Karunaratne, who was the youngest player 16 years to win the national singles title in 2001, retained it last year and this year as well and has represented the country in several tournaments on the Asian circuit as well as the Thomas Cup. He was also sent by the SLBA for advanced training to the Padukone Academy in India and also spent a couple of weeks in Malaysia too. |
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