Taniya Balasuriya, Yannik Kumara, Reshan Algama, Kaya Daluwatte and Thejas Kanth emerged winners in their respective divisions at the Regional Junior Open Golf Championship held at the Shangri-La’s Golf Resorts in Hambantota on March 8 and 9.
Algama who was promoted to the Silver division (age 12-14) on reaching 12 years, won with the clear ten strokes from the runner-up.
Balasuriya produced a stunning performance of gross 65, probably establishing a new course record to emerge champion.
After trailing by one stroke to Kayla Perera at the end of the first round, Balasuriya finished three strokes clear of her opponent.
The tough youngster Kumara dominated the Gold Division for boys (Age Group Category 15 – 18+) taking a slender one stroke lead in the first round from arch rival and reigning junior boys champion Nirekh Tejwani held on to win the Gold Division by just one stroke.
Daluwatte was another comfortable winner striding 12 strokes clear of the first runner-up Tejwani to take the silver division for boys.
Thejas Rathiskanth was in a class of his own in the Copper Division (9 and under) played over two rounds of nine holes each.