The Hindu : Karnataka downs Kerala, enters semifinals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2002

Sport

Sport - Hockey

Karnataka downs Kerala, enters semifinals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM APRIL 29. Karnataka put paid to Kerala's hopes of reaching the semifinals by recording a 2-1 win in the last league match in Pool `A' of the 17th South Zone senior hockey championships at the University stadium here on Monday.

Karnataka topped pool `A', and along with Andhra, qualified for the semifinals, while in Pool `B', defending champion Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad made the grade.

Karnataka packed too many guns for Kerala, which put on a brave fight against its much-heralded rival. The host made a gallant fightback in the second half after falling behind by two goals. It managed to pull one back and even threatened to snatch an unlikely draw but the experienced Karnataka side kept its cool admirably.

However, when play began there was no indication of a close contest, as Karnataka held sway in midfield and with clinical precision opened up the Kerala defence, which finally succumbed to pressure in the 18th minute.

Off his team's third penalty corner, Aiyappa put his team ahead as he tapped in the rebound, which came off Kerala's goalkeeper Niyas' pads, who blocked the first hit from Ronald Kiran. The Kerala goal survived a few more close shaves in the first half.

Karnataka piled on the pressure in the second half and increased the lead in the 41st minute. Mandanna dived full stretch and connected a cross from Aiyappa who made his way into the `D' from the right.

The twin reverses pepped up Kerala, which made an all-out effort to stay in the match. Exhibiting rare cohesion, Kerala was able to create a flutter at the rival defence. Praveen Kumar deflected in a shot from Binod off his side's third penalty corner to reduce the margin in the 53rd minute. However, Kerala failed to grab the chances that came its way in the remaining minutes.

Tamil Nadu played at a sedate pace against Pondicherry but still won 2-0. L. Prabakaran (23rd and 36th) scored both goals for Tamil Nadu, which was keen on conserving its energies for the semifinals.

In the semifinal, Tamil Nadu plays Andhra, while Karnataka takes on Hyderabad.

The standings (read as played, won, lost, draw, goals for, goals against and points): Pool `A': Karnataka 2-1-0-1-3-2-4; Andhra 2-0-0-2-2-2-2; Kerala 2-0-1-1-2-3-1 (Karnataka and Andhra qualified for semifinals).

Pool `B': Tamil Nadu 2-2-0-0-5-1-6; Hyderabad 2-1-1-0-2-3-3; Pondicherry 2-0-2-0-0-3-0 (Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad qualified for semifinals).

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