N. Thangaraja was in a league of his own as he left the chasing pack trailing in his wake to win the Sri Lanka Open Championship 2026 by a convincing eight-shot margin at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on Friday. The seasoned golfer put his foot on the gas in the final round, firing a [...]
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N. Thangaraja with Royal Colombo Golf Club Captain Mahela Jayawardena
N. Thangaraja was in a league of his own as he left the chasing pack trailing in his wake to win the Sri Lanka Open Championship 2026 by a convincing eight-shot margin at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on Friday. The seasoned golfer put his foot on the gas in the final round, firing a stunning seven-under-par 64 to finish with an unbeatable total of 266 and cruise to one of the most convincing victories of his career.
The experienced professional never took his eye off the ball throughout the four-day championship. After posting rounds of 68, 68, 66 and 64, Thangaraja saved his best for last and slammed the door on his rivals with a brilliant final-day performance. While others struggled to keep pace, Thangaraja kept the scoreboard ticking and turned the tournament into a one-horse race. His sharp iron play, steady putting and calm approach proved the winning formula on the demanding par-71 course.
Rising amateur star, Sri Lanka’s top junior player, Reshan Algama continued to punch above his weight and finished runner-up with a total of 274 after rounds of 68, 68, 70 and 68. The 18-year-old once again showed that he belongs among the country’s leading golfers. Former champion and Asian Games medalist veteran Anura Rohana claimed third place on 278, while Haroon Aslam and Mithun Perera shared fourth place on 279.
Thangaraja entered the final round holding a narrow advantage but quickly shifted into top gear. A string of birdies helped him widen the gap, and by the closing stages the title was virtually in the bag.
“This is a very special victory for me and one that I will remember for a long time,” said Thangaraja after receiving the championship trophy.
“I stayed patient throughout the week and took things one shot at a time. My game plan worked perfectly and I was able to keep my momentum going until the very end.”
The champion said experience played a key role in helping him cross the finish line.
“When you play in tournaments like this for many years, you learn not to get carried away. I focused on my own game and did not look over my shoulder at the leaderboard too much,” he said.
Thangaraja also praised the quality of the field and the emergence of young talent.
“We have some excellent young golfers coming through. Reshan played extremely well and pushed hard all week. That is good news for Sri Lankan golf because the future looks bright.”
The champion thanked his family, supporters and sponsors for standing by him throughout his journey.
“The support I receive means a lot. Victories like this do not come overnight. They are the result of hard work, sacrifice and belief. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way,” he added.
For Algama, the runner-up finish was another feather in Colombo International School boy’s cap and further proof that he is one of the most promising young golfers in the country. The Sri Lanka Open once again delivered top-class competition, and Thangaraja’s dominant display showed that the old guard still has plenty left in the tank.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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