Date:24/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/24/stories/2007042402611800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Nikhil, Saranya triumph

PUDUKOTTAI: Shyam Nikhil (7 points) and Saranya (7.5 points) won the title in the under-18 boys' and girls' sections respectively at the fifth State rapid chess tournament, organised by the Pudukottai District Chess Association, here on Monday.

Final standings:

Boys:

U-18: 1. Shyam Nikhil (Madurai, 7), 2. Arun Karthik (Chennai, 7), 3. Saravanakrishnan (Kancheepuram, 7).

U-16: 1. Kunal (Cuddalore, 7.5), 2. Ramnath Bhuvanesh (Chennai, 7.5), 3. Dustageer Ibrahim (Madurai, 7).

Girls:

U-18: 1. Saranya (Chennai, 7.5), 2. Preethi (Madurai, 7.5), 3. Harini (Kancheepuram, 7).

U-16: 1. Sithalatchumi (Madurai, 7), 2. Savetha (Salem, 7), 3. Uthra (Tiruvallur, 7).

Customs defeats Thevar

Customs & Central Excise defeated P.R. Thevar MFC 3-1 to win the title at the Goa Raja memorial invitation football tournament in Tiruchi, conducted by the Southern Railway Institute, here on Monday.

After a goalless first half, Anand gave Customs the lead, minutes after the break. Vinoth Kumar made it 2-0, but Raju reduced the margin soon. Justin struck off a penalty kick and ensured victory for Customs.

Karur Basketball wins

Karur Basketball Club, with an all-win record at the end of the semifinal league stage, won the title at the second district-level basketball tournament, conducted by DVN Coach and Modern Basketball Club, in Karur on Sunday.

Texcity BBC with two wins secured the second place, while Dayanidhi Memorial BBC finished third with a solitary victory.

The results (semifinal league):

Karur 70 bt Texcity 56; DM 27 bt Handloom 20; Karur 53 bt Handloom 35; Texcity 70 bt DM 67; Texcity 64 bt Handloom 29; Karur 62 bt DM 48.