Sri Lankan men’s shuttlers excel in New Delhi Games [October 10 2010]

Sri Lankan men did well to advance to the next stages of their respective singles events of the Commonwealth Games badminton competition worked off in New Delhi today. Niluka Karunaratne who is one of the medal prospects, defeated Seychelles’ Kevin Herbert 21/9, 21/8 while his brother Dinuka Karunarathne beat Australia’s Nicholas Kidd 21/19, 21/14. Subodha Dahanayake lost to India’s Aditi Ajey 18/21, 14/21, 7/21. Chandrika de Silva also lost to Australia’s Chiya Chi Huang 21/14, 21/6.

Thilini Jayasinghe who won her match against Kimberley Ashton of Jersey 21-10, 21-12 last evening, lost to England’s Lizz Cann, who is among the top 30 shuttlers in the world, 13-21, 12-21.

Two Lankans entered the main draw today. Rohan Sirisena beat his opponent from Barbados 4 -1 while Dinesh Deshapriya beat the player from Seyschells 4 – 1 and both will play in the main draw on Monday.

In the women’s doubles, Thilini Jayasinghe and Subodha Dahanayake beat the duo from Isle of Man 21/19, 21/8.