The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : AI, W. Railway in final

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 13, 2005

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Sport - Hockey

AI, W. Railway in final

MUMBAI, FEB. 12. Air-India blocked Pamposh's supply line by marking playmaker M. Barla out of the game, then held its nerve in penalty strokes to win 4-3 in the first semifinal of the Tommy Emar Gold Cup Women's Hockey Tournament at Mahindra stadium. Both teams were 1-1 at full-time.

Coached by Madan Vishwanathan, AI's ploy of policing the Pamposh schemer using double markers Sadhana Singh and Smiley Hemlata worked to an extent. Priya Singh converted a rebound off a penalty corner shot by Ajanta Devi blocked by goalkeeper for the Mumbai side's first goal in 42nd minute. The talented Orissa side drew level in 70th minute off a Sumita Barla direct penalty corner attempt.

AI converted three strokes in tie-breaker against two by Pamposh to win the semifinal. Western Railway's internationals Shaina Kispota and Papki Devi were on target in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Delhi XI in second semifinal. The final will be held on Monday.

The results (semifinals): Air-India, Mumbai 4 (Priya Singh, Pramila Ekka, Smiley Hemlata, Savita Singh) bt Pamposh, Orissa 3 (M Barla 2, Sumita Barla); Western Railway 3 (Shaina Kispota 2, Papki Devi) bt Delhi XI 0.

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