Hockey: Punjab beats TN, helps Bengal qualify

By Our Special Correspondent

JALANDHAR, NOV. 24. Tamil Nadu tossed away the chances that came its way against a disorganised Punjab and went out of the National Games men's hockey at the Surjit Singh Stadium here on Saturday.

Needing to stay undefeated in its crucial league match against the host in order to make the last-four stage, Tamil Nadu lost 1- 2 and cleared the way for Bengal to join Punjab as the second semifinalists from group `A'.

Tamil Nadu, surivived a penalty-stroke, but wasted a similar opportunity that came its way. As team coach R. Senthil put it aptly, ``when you miss so many chances, you can't complain.'' He was not only referring to the missed `stroke' and six penalty corners, but also several `sitters' that TN squandered.

Punjab, which continues to look vulnerable as tired players are desperately looking for rest, shot ahead when Rajinder Singh converted an eighth-minute `stroke' following its second penalty corner. TN hit back 15 minutes later when G. Padmanabhan made the most of a penalty corner. But five minutes from half-time, Punjab regained the lead with Gurmeet scoring from close.

In the second half, TN kept up the pressure and even forced four penalty corners in the space of seven minutes, but in vain. Thereafter, goalkeeper Shanmuga Sundaram saved the `stroke' taken by Rajinder Singh. However, TN soon ran out of luck as J. Natarajan's scoop from the `spot' was easily stopped by Punjab custodian Edward in the 64th minute. Even in the remaining time, TN's tale of missed chances continued.

Earlier, Maharashtra's embarrassement was complete as it was eliminated following a 1-1 result against lowly Andhra Pradesh in group `B'. For the record, Chanderpal scored off a 12th-minute penalty corner for Maharashtra. AP equalised in the 31st minute when L. Ramesh converted a penalty stroke.

The result helped Services book a semifinal berth. The other slot from the group will be decided on Sunday when Karnataka meets Chandigarh.

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Section  : Sport
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