Karnataka crash out in semis

While Kerala men completed a 25-17 17-25 25-16 13-25 15-10 semifinal victory, their women counterparts also saw off Karnataka to book their place in the final against holders Railways, who beat West Bengal. The women’s title clash will see a repeat of last year’s final on Sunday as champions Railways meet Kerala.

In the first final, Railways dismantled West Bengal 25-12 25-10 25-16 in straight sets and will now face a formidable Kerala who eased past Karnataka 25-22 25-10 25-20.

The men’s semifinal stood out for Kerala’s tactical flexibility in a hard-fought match.
The former champions countered Uttarakhand after the latter managed to wrench the second set by resorting to a strong blocking game.

In the other men’s semifinal Tamil Nadu eased past Railway 25-16, 25-16, 25-17 in a lop-sided encounter and will now face Kerala for the top prize.

Results: Semifinals: Men: Kerala bt Uttarakhand 25-17, 17-25, 25-16, 13-25, 15-10; Tamil Nadu bt Railway 25-16, 25-16, 25-17.

Women: Railways bt West Bengal 25-12, 25-10, 25-16; Kerala bt Karnataka 25-22, 25-10, 25-20;