Chanithma stamps her class at SSC Open Squash 2025
View(s):Sinaly, the current national champion and world ranked 217 in the PSA (Professional Squash Association), was in a class of her own. The 18-year-old outplayed Adithi Gunesekara of Ladies’ College in straight sets — 11/4, 11/2, 11/5 — with flawless court control and a winning mindset.
Chanithma Sinaly receives the Women’s Open title at the SSC Squash Championship from chief guest A.D.H. Samaranayake, Secretary of SSC, while Sri Lanka Squash President Group Captain Eranda Geenage (far right) looks on
In the Men’s category, Sri Lanka Army’s Methmal Wood claimed his maiden SSC Open title with an equally impressive straight set win in the final. Ranked 436 in the PSA global list, Methmal played a composed and tactical game, beating his opponent 13/11, 11/4, 11/6 to lift the Men’s Challenge Trophy.
The battle for third place in the Men’s draw was a tense five-setter between two Air Force players. Usham Arif eventually edged out Thinura Randina after a closely contested match. Meanwhile, another Air Force player, Viduranga Udantha — PSA ranked 473 — showed early promise but failed to convert his lead in key moments. Army’s Suraj Daniel and Ilham Asmone claimed fifth and sixth places respectively.
The Women’s division also saw the rise of a future star. Fourteen-year-old Sithumli Mendis from Gateway College, Colombo made headlines by upsetting higher-seeded Ranliya Wood in the quarter-finals. Sithumli went on to beat Akeesha Samaranayake of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in a thrilling five-setter to secure third place — a remarkable achievement for a young player.
The fifth-place Women’s playoff was won by Ifra Booso of St. Paul’s College, Milagiriya. Booso, who recently reached the Top 16 at the Asian Individual Squash Championship, defeated Miyuni Weerasinghe in straight sets.
The SSC Open Squash Championship also served as a senior national ranking tournament, providing valuable points for all players. The chief guest at the awards ceremony was A.D.H. Samaranayake, Secretary of SSC, while Nethru Nanayakkara, Secretary of Indoor Games at SSC, graced the occasion as guest of honour.