Buwaneka reaches men’s singles pre-quarterfinals

Hundred Sri Lanka International Series 2025

Sri Lanka’s Buwaneka Goonethilleka advanced to the round of 16 of the men’s singles in the Hundred Sri Lanka International Series 2025, which is underway at the St. Joseph’s College Indoor Complex, Darley Road. Buwaneka, currently ranked 1032 in the world, will meet Malaysia’s Darrell Chew, BWF ranked 225, in the pre-quarter-final clash on the third day of the six-day international competition, sanctioned by Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia (BA).

On Wednesday, Buwaneka outsmarted Henrikho Kho of Indonesia in straight sets, as the Sri Lankan regained his momentum after a long lapse. Unseeded Buwaneka proved his competence by handing Kho, seeded No.8 in the competition and 177 in the world, 21/7 and 21/15 to record a comprehensive victory on his way to reach the next level. His opponent in the pre-quarter-final, Chew, recorded a similar win, but was given a stiff competition by Indian Shantanu Sharma, before going down by 21/9 and 22/20.

Earlier, Buwaneka indicated his intention of reaching a podium finish, after defeating Siddgartga Mishra of India 2-1 in the Round of 64. Buwaneka claimed the first set 21/15, but Mishra recovered to level the game after winning the second set 21/14. The Sri Lankan put matters beyond his opponent’s reach with a resounding 21/9 win in the third set to move forward.

One of Sri Lanka’s hopefuls, Dumindu Abeywickrama, seeded third in the tournament, lost to Eu Cong Low of Malaysia 2-1 in the men’s singles round of 32 clash, which dragged beyond 70 minutes. Dumindu, BWF ranked 147, claimed the first set, but the world 531 ranked unseeded Low, made a remarkable comeback to win the remaining two sets by 21/13 and 21/15. Dumindu recorded a straight sets win against India’s Arya Bhivpathaki, after a close battle where the Sri Lankan scored 21/19 and 21/19.

Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) hosts nearly 260 players from 16 nations at the six-day competition which culminates on March 8. A total prize money of USD 5,000 is on offer at the Hundred Sri Lanka International Series 2025 which is sponsored by Hundred, LiNing, Mobil, McFoil and 3M.