Final trials completed for Asian TT Championships
From the current Men’s and Women’s ranking list, 8 players each were called for two (2) trials with all players having to play each other in best of five (5) sets on both dates. From the Mens segment, Mr. Nirmala Jayasingha (MAS) pulled out from the 2nd trial owing to a hamstring injury sustained during the first trial.
Senura Silva (Ananda College) and Bimandee Bandara (Hilwood Kandy) remained unbeaten in the Mens and Womens segment respectively. Both, Senura and Bimandee are recipient of the Crysbro Sponsorship arranged by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. Both players are yet to do their Ordinary Level exam and lots could be expected from them to Sri Lanka in the TT arena.
The TTASL decided to conclude the trials by the end of July as it did not want to prolong the matte further as in case there is another lockdown, the players will not be able to be selected and will not be able to represent the country at these championships. As such, with the instructions of the TTASL President Hon. Kanaka Herath, the trials were held on the 28th and 31st July 2021.
The host country has stipulated many health protocols that the players have to endure and will need to get prepared for these requirements whilst engaging in training. There is a mandatory quarantine period of 2 days in Qatar for all players on arrival. It is only after clearing the PCR tests that the players will be permitted to leave the quarantine hotel and start training prior to the competition.
This tournament will be a testing period for all players who will have to stay within their playing bubble and try to maintain all the safety protocols of the host nation.
Men’s results;
Senura Silva (Ananda College) won all 6 matches beating Chameera Ginige 3/0, Milinda Lakshitha 3/0, Imantha Udanjaya 3/1, Nimesh Ranchagoda 3/1, Chanul Dulsen 3/0, Chandupa Alahakoon 3/0.
Nimesh Ranchagoda (SL Navy) won 4 matches from 6 by beating Chameera Ginige 3/0, Milinda Lakshitha 3/2, Imantha Udanjaya 3/0, Chandupa Alahakoon 3/2.
Chameera Ginige (University of J’pure) won 3 matches from 6 by beating Imantha Udanjaya 3/1, Chanul Dulsen 3/1, Chandupa Alahakoon 3/1.
Milinda Lakshitha (OMBC) won 3 matches from 6 by beating Chanul Dulsen 3/0, Chandupa Alahakoon 3/0, Chameera Ginige 3/1.
Imantha Udanjaya (SL Army) won 2 matches from 6 by beating Milinda Lakshitha 3/0, Chanul Dulsen 3/0
Chandupa Alahakoon (Kingswood) won 2 matches from 6 by beating Imantha Udanjaya 3/1, Chanul Dulsen 3/2.
Chanul Dulsen (Dharmasoka Ambalangoda) won 1 match from 6 by beating Nimesh Ranchagoda 3/2.
Women’s results;
Bimandee Bandara (Hilwood Kandy) won all 7 matches. Bimandee beat Ishara Madurangi 3/1, Hansani Piumila 3/0, Thanushi Rodrigo 3/0, Ayla Chitty 3/2, Muthumali Priyadarshani 3/0, Jithara Warnakulasuriya 3/2, Chameesha Thushadi 3/0.
Muthumali Priyadarshani (SL Navy) won 5 from 7 matches beating Ishara Madurangi 3/1, Hansani Piumila 3/2, Thanushi Rodrigo 3/2, Ayla Chitty 3/1, Chameesha Thushadi 3/1.
Ishara Madurangi (SLPA) won 3 from 7 matches beating Ayla Chitty 3/1, Jithara Warnakulasuriya 3/2, Chameesha Thushadi 3/0.
Ayla Chitty (Ladies) won 3 from 7 matches beating Hansani Piumila 3/1, Thanushi Rodrigo 3/1, Jithara Warnakulasuriya 3/1.
Chameesha Thushadi (K’Balika) won 3 from 7 matches beating Hansani Piumila 3/0, Ayla Chitty 3/2, Jithara Warnakulasuriya 3/1.
Thanushi Rodrigo (SL Army) won 3 from 7 matches beating Ishara Madurangi 3/1, Hansani Piumila 3/0, Chameesha Thushadi 3/1.
Jithara Warnakulasuriya (Ladies) won 2 from 7 matches beating Thanushi Rodrigo 3/2, Muthumali Priyadarshani 3/1.
Hansani Piumila (SL Navy) won 2 from 7 matches beating Ishara Madurangi 3/2, Jithara Warnakulasuriya 3/0.