TN, Kerala virtually in knock-out round in Volleyball

Ranchi, Feb 14 (PTI) Tamil Nadu and Kerala virtuallyadvanced to the knock-out round of men''s volleyballcompetition after recording consecutive wins in their groupin the 34th National Games at Khelgaon here today.

Tamil Nadu defeated Karnataka 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 whileKerala beat Services 25-22, 28-26, 25-18 in their Group A andB matches respectively today.

Tamil Nadu, who had earlier trounced hosts Jharkhand25-14, 25-14 and 25-16, have only one game left in their groupagainst Haryana, who yesterday defeated Karnataka by 20-25 and20-25, 25-22, 25-21 and 15-21.

In their opening match yesterday, Kerala defeated Punjab25-21, 25-21 and 25-22 and will play against Uttarakhand, whohad beaten Services 25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23 in theiropener.

In the women''s section, Kerala notched up their secondvictory, thrashing Uttar Pradesh 25-15 25-6 25-16 in a Group Amatch.

Kerala drubbed hosts Jharkhand 25-15, 25-17 and 25-11yesterday and have only one match left -- against AndhraPradesh.

Karnataka girls defeated Tamil Nadu in a Group B match25-18, 25-16, 25-20, their second win after outclassingHimachal Pradesh 26-24, 25-11 and 25-19.

All the group matches will be over tomorrow withsemifinals and final scheduled on February 16 and 17.