|
|
 |
  |
| Sunday, 19 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Sports |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Niluka - world ranking of 74 by Lal GUNASEKERA Sri Lanka's national champion, Niluka Karunaratne, has now received a world ranking of 74 by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) after his exploits at the Australian Open and New Zealand Open Championships where he defeated some world ranked players. Seeded No. 5 Karunaratne, reached the final of the men's singles at the Australian Open, but lost to England's No.1 Andrew Smith, who is ranked 36 in the world at 7-15, 8-15. However, Karunaratne, had the satisfaction of beating Australia's No. 1 and top seed Stuart Brehant 15-8, 17-15 in the semi-finals. Brehant, who is ranked No. 39 in the world represented Australia at the Athens Olympic Games. In the "quarters", he beat another world ranked player (No. 59) John Moody of New Zealand who was seeded No. 2 in a three setter (15-7, 8-15, 15-5). In the first-round, Karunaratne, beat Australia's Rayn Manual in straight sets (15-2, 15-10) and in the second beat New Zealand's Cheng Chance also in straight sets (15-8, 15-3) Then in the New Zealand Open, Karunaratne, lost in the semi-finals to Japan's No. 3 Yuichi Ikeda in a three setter (3-15, 15-3, 13-15). Ikeda was the top seed and has a world ranking of No 35. In the "quarters", Karunaratne, beat New Zealand's No. 1 Geoff Bellingham who is ranked No. 58 in the world also in a three setter (15-10, 12-15, 15-13). The New Zealander was seeded No. 4. The Sri Lankan beat two New Zealanders in the first and second-rounds, while beating USA's No. 1 Raju Rai, who was seeded No. 5 in the pre "quarters" in a three setter (3-15, 15-7, 15-6). Raju is ranked No. 78 in the world. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
