It was notable though that there was a stiff resistance, especially in doubles, coming against the telling dominance of ‘Raja’ making the final of the latter becoming a hectic three-setter on Sunday.

Rajakaruna, 34, clinched the two key titles last year as well in this main regional international competition which is yet to gather sizeable attraction from top Asian wheelchair tennis players. A single Indian, S. Balachandar, was the only foreigner to compete last year and there were two, Balachandar and D. Mariappan, who became the only non Sri Lankan participants this year.

A SL Army soldier heralding from Anuradhapura, Rajakaruna who lost his left leg in an LTTE artillery attack in 1997 in Welioya, won last year’s singles beating Gamini and doubles title, partnering Gamini who is also from the Army. Jayalath Manatunga and Sunil Perera were the losing finalists in last year’s doubles.

‘Raja’ who last year held a stupendous ITF world rank of 68 will further improve his present world rank of 144 after winning in singles on Saturday (27) and doubles on Sunday morning in this US$1,800 worth ITF event.

Results of finals this year:

Men’s Open Singles:

U. Rajakaruna bt D.M. Gamini 7-6 (5), 6-1

Men’s Open Doubles: