Niluka creates record- wins men’s singles for 14th year and adds triple crown to his collection

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen – Kandy Sports Cor.

A record in Badminton: Niluka Karunaratne of McLarens Holdings created history by winning the national mens singles title for the 14th year in succession and also walked away with the rare achievement of a triple crown while 18 year old Tilini Hendahewa of Visakha Vidyalaya won the plum for Ladies the National singles title at the 62nd Badminton Senior Nationals organised by Sri Lanka Badminton Association and played over five days at the Indoor Stadium of Jayatillake Sports Complex Nawalapitiya.

Niluka Karunaratne won the mens singles, mens doubles and the mixed doubles to make a complete sweep of the events for mens.

Tilini Hendahewa displayed that she is a star in the making when she toppled every lady paddler who was pitted against her to win the crown for ladies.

[Results]

Open Mixed Doubles: Champions: Niluka Karunaratne and Nadeesha Gayathri runners-up: Rajitha Senanayake and Achini Ratnasiri.

Open Womens Doubles: Champions: Achini Ratnasiri and Upali Weerasinghe. Runners-up: Gayathri Herath and Thilini Jayasinghe.

Open Mens Doubles: Champions Niluka Karunaratne and Dinuka Karunaratne. Runners-up: Rajitha Dahanayake and Hasitha Chanaka.

Open Women’s Singles: Champion: Tilini Hendahewa, runner-up: Achini Ratnasiri.

Open Men’s Singles: Champion: Niluka Karunaratne. Runner-up: Dinuka Karunaratne.

Masters Singles over 55 years: Champion Louis Karunaratne, runner-up: Ariyasena Wanasinghe.