New rules to make debut

KOCHI, DEC. 7. Kerala, for long in the forefront of sporting activity, will be the first State to try out the new basketball rules which promise to make the game faster.

The changes - including the four-quarter game, the 24- second `shot clock' instead of the current 30 seconds and the eight- second backcourt `stay' - will make their Indian debut at the 45th Kerala State senior championship which begins at the FACT floodlit stadium, Udyogamandal, on Friday evening.

However, there could be a small hitch. ``The 24-second clock will be a problem. We don't have one,'' said Mr P.J. Sunny, the event's general convener, also the Basketball Federation of India's selection committee chairman.

Ernakulam, the defending champion in both the men's and women's sections, along with Thiruvananthapuram are the favourites to reach the final in both the divisions. Thrissur and Malappuram in the men's section and Alappuzha in the women's section are some of the teams which are capable of springing surprises.

The groupings (men): Pool A: Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kasargod. Pool B: Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Idukki. Pool C: Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kollam. Pool D: Malappuram, Kannur, Wynad. Three teams each from Pool A and B and one from the other two groups will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Women: Pool A: Ernakulam, Kannur, Pathanamthitta. Pool B: Kottayam, Kozhikode, Alappuzha. Pool C: Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Idukki, Malappuram. The pool topper from groups A and B get a direct semifinal berth while the Pool `C' winner and the runners-up of the three groups enter the quarterfinals.

- Our Sports Reporter

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