Ravindu Laksiri, Sri Lanka’s stalwart in squash, continues to etch his name in the annals of the sport's history, clinching his second consecutive PSA Squash Championship title in an unusual turn of events at the HCL Squash Tour – Chennai 2024. The 11-time consecutive national champion from Sri Lanka found himself on the winner's podium once again, not by a traditional victory on the court, but through a walkover in the finals. His opponent, Indian player Rahul Baitha, incurred a delay, arriving tardy by 20 minutes, prompting the referee to award the match to Laksiri by default.

Despite Laksiri's readiness and sporting spirit, expressing his willingness to proceed with the match, he ultimately had to accede to the referee's decision. Reflecting on the moment, Laksiri stated, "I told the referee I was ready to play, but the referee and the Tournament Director decided to award me the title.

This latest triumph marks Laksiri's seventh appearance in a PSA Challenger Tour final, with an impressive track record of clinching victory in four of these encounters and securing the runner-up position thrice. Notably, this victory stands as his second consecutive title win, a testament to his unwavering prowess on the squash court.

The journey to this coveted title saw Laksiri navigate through a fiercely competitive field, with the semi-final showdown against third-seeded Yousef Essam Farag of Qatar serving as a testament to his skill. Laksiri dominated the encounter, sealing a convincing 3-0 series victory, with sets scores of 11-3, 11-8, and 11-8, to book his spot in the finals.

In the other semi-final clash, India's Rahul Baitha emerged victorious over compatriot Ravi Dixit, setting the stage for a high-stakes final confrontation with Laksiri.

Meanwhile, in the women's category, Sri Lanka's Yeheni Kuruppu, the third seed and reigning national champion, faced an unexpected defeat in the semi-final, succumbing to second seed Suthanthira Seelan in straight sets: 11-7, 11-3, and 11-6, thereby missing out on the opportunity to compete in the final.

The tournament, which commenced on June 4, boasts a prize purse of USD 3,000 for both the men's and women's champions, adding to the significance of Laksiri's remarkable achievement on the PSA circuit.

As the curtains draw on the HCL Squash Tour – Chennai 2024, Ravindu Laksiri's triumph stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and remarkable skill in the sport of squash. While the circumstances of his victory may have been unconventional, his dominance on the court throughout the tournament underscores his status as a force to be reckoned with in the squash world. With his second consecutive PSA Squash Championship title secured, Laksiri reaffirms his position as a formidable competitor and a beacon of excellence for aspiring squash players worldwide. As he basks in the glow of yet another triumph, Laksiri's journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating the rewards of perseverance, sportsmanship, and unyielding determination in the pursuit of one's passion.