Kerala shock Punjab

April 8: Hosts Kerala came closer to winning the title with an upset victory over holders Punjab in the third National Volleyball Super League at the TSGV Stadium here tonight.

In a keenly-contested four setter, Kerala, who finished fourth last year, doomed holder Punjab’s hopes for a hat-trick in 66 minutes, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19 and 25-23. Kerala have four points from two matches.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu spiker K Selvam, with his accurate smashes in the tie-breaker, helped his team beat Karnataka 3-2. In a five-set marathon, Tamil Nadu struggled to a 25-23, 25-17, 17-25, 17-25 15-13 win.

This was Tamil Nadu’s second win in the six-team league. In their first match, they had defeated last year runner-up Indian Railways. Karnataka have only one win from three matches.