{
  "id": 4749490,
  "title": "Kandy Kings crowned Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League champions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/kandy-kings-crowned-sri-lanka-tennis-premier-league-champions",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T23:58:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/kandy-kings-crowned-sri-lanka-tennis-premier-league-champions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kandy Kings claimed victory as champions of the inaugural Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League 2026, edging out the Jaffna Flamingos in a thrilling final match at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts. The four-day tournament, sponsored by CL Synergy Power and powered by Wilson, saw the Kandy team secure the championship title with a decisive 35-26 points win over their opponents. Notable performances were showcased throughout the competition, with several standout players earning recognition for their exceptional contributions. Kandy Kings' Savini Jayasuriya gained an early lead in singles play when she defeated Jaffna Flamingos' Janali Manamperi 7-5 in the opening match. However, Jaffna Flamingos' Muzammil Murtaza responded strongly, defeating Sri Lanka's national player Thehan Wijemanna 6-4 in a highly anticipated contest. The girls' Under-15 category witnessed Kandy Kings' Navya Banagala emerge victorious against Samaira Fernando. The mixed doubles category saw Kandy Kings' Mineth Nawarathne and Tuvini de Alwis triumph over Jaffna Flamingos' Aravind Fernando and Janali Manamperi, setting the stage for the final doubles match. The championship was decided in the doubles final, with Sri Lanka's top-ranked player Thehan Wijemanna joining Mineth Nawarathne to defeat Aravind Fernando and Muzammil Murtaza 6-3, securing a memorable triumph for the Kandy Kings. Several players were honored for their outstanding contributions to the tournament, with Yuhansa Peiris of Weligama Warriors named the Most Valuable Women's Player, and Jaffna Flamingos' Muzammil Murtaza receiving the Most Valuable Men's Player award. Navya Banagala of Kandy Kings received the Most Valuable Girls' Player accolade, while Damsath Peiris of Jaffna Flamingos was awarded the Most Valuable Boys' Player award. Additionally, Jaffna Flamingos' Janali Manamperi was presented with the Wilson Fair Play Award. Ultimately, Kandy Kings emerged victorious in the tournament, while Jaffna Flamingos secured the runners-up position following an impressive campaign that led them to the final.",
  "summary": "Kandy Kings emerged champions of the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League 2026, defeating Jaffna Flamingos in an exciting final at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts. The four-day tournament, held from August 27 to 30, was title sponsored by CL Synergy Power and powered by Wilson. Kandy Kings secured the championship with a 35-26 points […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Kandy Kings crowned champions of inaugural Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League 2026",
    "Jaffna Flamingos finish as runners-up after impressive campaign",
    "Navya Banagala named Most Valuable Girls' Player"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}