Date:25/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/25/stories/2005022508191800.htm

Sport - Badminton

TN has it easy

BANGALORE, FEB. 24. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu chalked up two wins apiece on the opening day of the 50th National ball-badminton championship at the MVIT grounds in Yelahanka Township here on Thursday.

Karnataka opened its campaign in Group `D' with a facile 29-11, 29-10 victory over Delhi and later defeated Gujarat 29-11, 29-12. Tamil Nadu also scored easy wins, beating Rajasthan 29-10, 29-10 and Orissa 29-10, 29-10 respectively in Group `C'.

Defending champion Railways, which was awaiting clearance from the Railway Board till Wednesday, has failed to turn up so far. "There has been some communication gap and we are awaiting the team's arrival either tonight or tomorrow morning, but in case they don't turn up, we may be forced to scratch the team" said Mr. B. Mahendra, President KSBBA.

The results (league):

Group A: Kerala bt Bihar 29-12, 29-10; Punjab bt MP 29-12, 29-7. Group `B': HP bt Chattisgarh 29-28, 21-29, 29-11. Group C: TN bt Rajasthan 29-10, 29-10; TN bt Orissa 29-10, 29-10. Group D: Karnataka bt Gujarat 29-11, 29-12; Karnataka bt Delhi 29-29-10; Tripura bt Delhi 29-14, 29-14.

Women: Group A: Kerala bt Andhra 29-16, 29-15; Kerala bt West Bengal 29-10, 29-9. Group C: Karnataka bt Gujarat 29-10, 29-10. Group D: Delhi bt Rajasthan 29-18, 29-19; Rajathan bt Orissa 29-13, 29-18; Jharkand bt Delhi 29-14, 29-14.