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It's TN vs. Karnataka

CHITTOOR AUG. 23. Defending champion Tamil Nadu outplayed Pondicherry 3-1 in the semifinals to set up a title clash with last year's runner-up Karnataka which scored a 3-0 win over host Andhra in the Nutrine Mahalacto 18th senior South Zone hockey championship for men being held at the DSA Masonical Grounds here today.

Tamil Nadu shot into the lead in the ninth minute when captain Prabhakaran was stick-checked by a defender inside the striking area. The resultant stroke was duly converted by Arun Kumar. At one stage the Pondicherry players had a verbal brawl with the Tamil Nadu defenders forcing the referee to call the two captains to restore order. Prabhakaran was again in the scoring act in the 22nd minute. Satish Kumar, who was waiting behind when the push-in was not stopped cleanly, dribbled his way back and then to the right corner before essaying a lovely cross to his captain who made no mistake in tapping the ball into the goal.

Soon after resumption, Tamil Nadu struck for the third time. Making optimum use of the little space given to him in the 41st minute, Prabhakaran lured the goalkeeper out and dodged past him to tap the ball into the goal.

For Pondicherry, R. Vinoth scored off an indirect penalty-corner hit in the latter half of second session.

A wonderful effort by Madhik, who dodged past a couple of defenders on the right flank before giving a perfect through pass to the waiting M.V. Rama Rao, saw Karnataka take the lead in the eighth minute. The second goal was the result of another brilliant display by Appana, who snatched the ball from the Andhra captain Harshavardhan close to the half-line on the left-flank and was off like a hare moving close to the `D' and giving a beautiful centre to Somanna who made no mistake. Pandiyan scored the third goal off a direct penalty-corner hit in the 53rd minute sealing the fate of the host.

The final will be played tomorrow. — Our Sports Reporter

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