Sri Lankan Squash sensation Mihiliya Methsarani has reached the Women’s plate final at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. This is her second entry in the prestigious Commonwealth Games and she is ever so close to her dream which is to bring the highest honor to Sri Lanka in the sport.
Mihiliya Methsarani, one of the youngest Sri Lankan athletes in representation at this year’s Commonwealth Games participated in her first Commonwealth Games back in 2014 in Glasgow. She reached the plate semi-final in her first attempt which was already a major feat for the youngster. Her dream was to win gold at Commonwealth Games which is the highest platform Sri Lanka is allowed to participate.
Four years later, Mihiliya has made her dream ever so close reaching the final in this years’ CWG, scheduled for this afternoon against Meagan Best of Barbados. Starting her trail in the round of 32, Mihiliya faced Kiwi player Amanda Landers-Murphy in the first round. After 23 minutes on courts, Mihiliya managed to grab the first 2 sets 12/10 and 11/9 with the New Zealander giving tight competition, to finish off the game 11/4 in the third and final set. Amanda Haywood of Barbados was a toughie for Mihiliya as she was pushed to a four-set thriller in the round of 16. But the young Lankan survived with 11/7, 8/11, 11/5 and 11/2 victory making her way to a comfortable quarterfinal.
Guyana’s Taylor Fernandes was a subtle victim at the racket of Mihiliya as the match was a mere 18-minute maul. Mihiliya came through with a brisk 11/3, 11/4 11/4 victory. Khaaliqa Nimji from Kenya was her semifinal opponent. Mihiliya made it through with in tight battle in straight sets 11/6, 12/10, 13/11.
There’s one final hurdle before tasting gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games which is the Plate final against Meagan Best of Barbados scheduled to play at 01.30pm local time. Will Mihiliya fulfill her childhood dream this year? Stay logged with us on ThePapare.com as we are dedicated in bringing you instant updates on the game!
