Sri Lanka’s squash champion, Ravindu Laksiri, displayed his formidable skills at the Hamdard Squashters Northern Slam 2024 final, held in Delhi, where he battled India’s Suraj Kumara in a riveting match. Despite a valiant effort, Laksiri clinched the Runner-up title after a thrilling five-set marathon that lasted 84 minutes.
In a packed stadium buzzing with Indian fans, Laksiri and Kumara engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of impressive shots. Laksiri started strong, taking the first set with a close score of 13-11. However, Kumara swiftly responded, dominating the second set with a score of 11-5. Undeterred,
Laksiri fought back, claiming the third set 11-7 and securing a 2-1 lead. The momentum shifted once again as Kumara leveled the match, winning the fourth set 11-9, setting the stage for an intense final set. Unfortunately, Laksiri sustained a leg injury during this crucial moment, allowing Kumara to seize victory with an 11-3 win in the final set, thus earning his first PSA Challenger tournament title.
Despite the setback, Laksiri’s commendable performance at the tournament has not gone unnoticed. His Runner-up finish has propelled him up the world rankings, climbing from 142nd place to 137th. This final marked Laksiri’s fourth appearance in a PSA Challenger final throughout his career, highlighting his consistent presence at the professional levels of the sport.
Sajeewa Jayakody