Young Pune Strykers tame ageing Karnataka Lions in WSH

PUNE: Pune Strykers returned to their winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Karnataka Lions in a World Series Hockey match on Monday. The hosts twice took the lead, only to see the Lions restore parity. But Strykers’ young legs ultimately proved to be the deciding factor, especially in the fourth quarter.

Dhanraj Pillay limping off the field with seven minutes to go for the hooter summed up the story of the former India captain himself as well as that of his team. The four-time Olympian was athletic for a man of 43, but he was hardly a match for the speed of Damandeep Singh, Amit Gowda and others.

With Len Aiyappa too tiring in the latter stages, it was clear that Karnataka were relying too much on Arjun Halappa and Ravipal Singh. No surprise then that the Bangalore-based side is at the bottom of the table after losing five of their seven games.

Bhopal Badshahs win

Hosts Bhopal Badshahs beat Chennai Cheetahs 3-1 to go to the top of the points table. Sameer Dad’s 20th minute strike for Bhopal was neutralised by veteran Vikram Pillay. But Badshahs proved their might with two more goals through LK Upadhay and Casey Henwood to take home full points.