Jharkhand brightens chances to enter Semifinals

Bangalore, Jan 9 (UNI) A superb hat-trick by Marcel Tirkey powered runners-up Jharkhand blank Rajasthan 5-0 and consolidate its position in the 5th All India BSNL Hockey Tournament held at KSHA Stadium here today.

Marcel struck in first, 14th and 29th minute, while J P Topno and Joseph increased the lead by netting the ball in the 39th and 53rd minutes, respectively. With today's win, Jharkhand lads, who have won both the matches they have played so far, virtually assured their semifinal berth with only one league outing against Maharashtra remaining.

In Group 'D', NTR Delhi began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Uttar Pradesh (East). Dinesh Kumar, Sukhvir Sing (2) and Suresh Kumar scored the goals for Delhi. For UP Rajkumar and A K Yadav did the scoring.

In another match in the same group, Tamil nadu defeated Madhya Pradesh 1-0. The all important goal was scored by Paleshwaran by converting a penalty corner.

In Group 'C' Orissa defeated Punjab 5-0 with Santoshkumar, Morshel Surien, Peter Yess, Bilfrit Dung Dung and Robert Ekka sounding the board.

UNI