Viren Nettasinghe, Sri Lanka’s top-ranked men’s singles badminton player, recorded a landmark victory by defeating World No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark in an exhibition match held at the Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) Courts in Colombo yesterday.
This historic win marked a proud moment for Sri Lankan badminton, giving local fans the rare opportunity to witness a top global player in action.
Anders, a three-time World Championship medalist, started confidently and pushed Viren in a tightly contested first set. However, Viren held his nerve and claimed the set 21-18 with a composed and skillful performance.
The second set was equally competitive, as Anders attempted various tactical plays to outmaneuver the 21-year-old Sri Lankan star. But Viren countered effectively, using sharp cross-court smashes and quick footwork to gain the upper hand. He sealed the second set 21-14, completing a straight-sets victory.
Speaking after the match, Viren expressed his joy and gratitude. “It’s a great experience to play against the World No. 2. It’s definitely a dream come true for me. I want to thank Sri Lanka Badminton and Ceylon Masters Badminton for this opportunity,” he said, adding that the win was a confidence boost as he continues his push for Olympic qualification.
The exhibition match was made possible through the efforts of badminton stalwarts Sumith Guruge and Rohan de Silva, with strong backing from Sri Lanka Badminton, highlighting the growing support for the sport in the country.
