Shayama wins Gold , Sarangi equals PB for bronze in Thai Open
Hurdler Shayama Dulani finished her maiden international outing in emphatic fashion as she won the Gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship on Monday.
The 26-year old clocked a modest 01 minute 02.49 seconds, but it was enough for her to win the Gold medal, with Koniel Donna of Papua New Guinea finishing second and Suchada Meersi of Thailand coming in third.
Hailing from Down South, Shayama trains under coach Muddika Thushara, the same coach who trained 400m runner Nadeesha Ramanayaka who finished 5th in the Asian Championship. Shayama has clocked under 01 minute before, but was bit of out of form during trials.
Indeed, only long jumper Sarangi Silva could come close to a personal best during the tour, leaping 6.12m to equal her personal best and win the Bronze medal in the event. Marestella Sunang of the Philippines won the Gold medal with a 6.23m leap, while Maria Londa of Indonesia won the Silver with a leap of 6.18m.
Men’s hurdler Asanka Rathnasena also secured a Bronze medal in the 400 m hurdles clocking 52.67 seconds, which is below par compared to his performance in Sri Lanka. Chia Yu of Chinese Taipei won the Gold medal clocking 50.98 seconds, while Indonesia’s Andrian Andrian won the Silver with 52.67 seconds.
Earlier in the championship, pole vaulter Ishara Sandaruwan who has a personal best of 5.10m could only manage a vault of 4.60m and finished fourth.
Hurdlers Lakshika Sugandi and Roshan Dammika and will compete tomorrow (21).
