Rumesh Tharanga will head to the Doha Diamond League as the athlete to beat following a commanding victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike on Tuesday.

‎Fresh from his recent record-breaking exploits, Tharanga once again stamped his authority on the world stage, dominating the competition with three throws beyond the 85-metre mark. Remarkably, any one of those efforts would have been enough to secure victory.

‎The 23-year-old produced his best throw of 86.57 metres in the third round to claim top honours ahead of two-time world champion Anderson Peters, who finished second with a best effort of 84.27 metres.

‎Tharanga’s consistency throughout the competition underlined his status as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers. His latest triumph further strengthens his credentials ahead of the Doha Diamond League, where he is expected to be among the favourites alongside World champion Keshorn Walcott, two-time world champion Anderson Peters and world bronze medallist Curtis Thompson.

‎Tuesday’s victory continues a remarkable season for the former Peterite, who has emerged as a genuine contender on the international circuit with a string of world-class performances. [RF]

Chanuth Jayasinghaarachchi and Bihandu Hansana produced the most influential individual performances of the day as they guided their respective teams to convincing victories in the Under-17 Division I cricket tournament.

‎At Anuradhapura, Chanuth Jayasinghaarachchi led Dharmaraja College’s batting effort with a top score of 84 runs as they posted a formidable 282 all out against Sri Rahula College Katugastota. Supported by Mandil Gunawardhana (44), Deneth Abeyrathna (34) and Imash Galapitiya’s unbeaten 31, Chanuth’s innings laid the foundation for a dominant display. Dharmaraja’s bowlers then completed a comprehensive victory by dismissing Sri Rahula for 138, with Hiruka Ekanayake claiming 3 for 15.

‎Meanwhile, at Godagamuwa, Bihandu Hansana produced the bowling performance of the day, claiming an outstanding six wickets for 42 runs in his 10 overs to dismantle Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya for 143. His remarkable spell overshadowed Chanul Nethsitha’s 47 and put St. Anthony’s Wattala firmly in control. The chase was completed comfortably as Sadeesha Kavinda blasted an unbeaten 38 off just 14 balls, including three fours and four sixes, steering St. Anthony’s to 145 for 5 in 28.3 overs.

‎At Henegama, Wesley rattled Henegama Central for 31 runs to record a 127 run win.

‎Wesley beat Henegama Central at Henegama

‎Scores:

‎Wesley 158 all out in 44.5 overs (Shamma Fernando 46, Chanuka Vidharshana 49, Thimira Senarathna 24; Sehas Damsiha 3/28, Danuna Shanilka 2/37, Janidu Imesha 4/32)

‎Henegama 31 all out in 23 overs (Charana Malimbada 2/11, Rehan Perera 4/11, Adhyaan Zian 2/02)

‎

St. Peter’s beat Tissa Central at Kalutara

‎Scores:

‎Tissa Central 85 all out in 29.5 overs

(Sadew Wijesooriya 22; Mickhaeel Faleel2/26, Diyon Alwis 3/21, Lesan Perera 3/06)

‎St. Peter’s 87 for 6 in 24.4 overs (Hirun Noyah 22, Sashidu Silva 19, Diyon Alwis 20n.o.; Tharuka de Silva 2/10, Shenal Geenula 2/23)

‎

‎Jaffna Hindu beat St. Thomas’ at Matale

‎Scores:

‎Jaffna Hindu 257 all out in 49.5 overs

(Balamuralitharan Anish 66, Nesaroopan Nerujan 77, Sivalogesan Sivakajeesan 50)

‎St. Thomas’ Matale 126 all out in 39.6 overs

‎

‎Dharmaraja beat Sri Rahula at Anuradhapura

‎Scores:

‎Dharmaraja 282 all out in 44.5 overs (Chanuth Jayasinghaarachchi 84, Mandil Gunawardhana 44, Deneth Abeyrathna 34, Imash Galapitiya 31n.o.)

‎Sri Rahula 138 al out in 36.3 overs (Hiruka Ekanayake 3/15)

‎

‎St. Anthony’s beat Sri Dharmaloka at Godagamuwa

‎Scores:

‎Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya143 all out in 34.5 overs

(Chanul Nethsitha 47; Bihandu Hansana 6/42)

‎St. Anthony’s Wattala 145 for 5 in 28.3 overs

(Karindra Kujana 25, Sadeesha Kavinda 38n.o.)

(RF)

The Sri Lanka Soccer Masters’ Association has made arrangements to conduct its 21st consecutive nine-a-side football tournament for veteran players on June 21 at the Shalika Grounds, Narahenpita.

The tournament was officially announced at a press conference held at the NM Perera Centre in Borella on Monday.

Addressing the media, Association President Irshad Haq said that 34 teams would compete in the annual event, which will feature a total of 71 matches.

The champions will receive a cash prize of Rs. 200,000, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 100,000.

Haq said that proceeds from the tournament have been utilised over the years to support the welfare of former national football players.

Under tournament regulations, each team will be guaranteed a minimum of three matches. Although teams may include former national players in their squads, only three such players will be permitted on the field at any given time during a match.

The competition will be conducted under a league format in the preliminary stage, with the participating teams divided into eight groups. Teams will earn three points for a win, one point each for a draw and no points for a defeat.

Matches will be officiated by referees attached to the national football federation.

Founder Chairman Tilak Peiris, General Secretary Yoga Cruze, Tournament Committee Chairman P.G.P. Pieris and Treasurer Tilak Perera also addressed the gathering.