Murugappa Gold Cup hockey: Karnataka split points with IOB

CHENNAI - Karnataka XI wasted an excellent opportunity to pick up full points and eventually drew 2-2 with local champions Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) in the opening fixture of the All-India Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Thursday.

Penalty corner specialist Gopinath turned out to be the saviour for IOB with two conversions, in the 19th and 65th minute while Karnataka replied through Anup Anthony (31st) and Mudappa (39th).

The young Karnataka XI showed rich promise and had more of the chances, especially after they equalised just before the break.

However, a few missed chances prevented Karnataka from breaking free and the bankmen gradually fought their way back into the match.

Given the sorry state of affairs in Karnataka where the local tournaments are all but come to a standstill in view of the damaged astro-turf, the team played well enough to serve notice to the other sides in the tournament.

After falling in arrears when Gopinath sounded the boards in the first-half, Karnataka went on the attack and put together some pleasing moves, mostly on the right flank.

A defensive lapse following a free-hit at the top of the circle saw Anthony gaining possession near the penalty spot and he made no mistake for Karnatakas equaliser.

On resumption, Karnataka continued to apply pressure and went 2-1 up past the 39th minute when Mudappa positioned himself well to divert a cross from Somanna.

Thereafter, Tamil Nadu were pegged in their own half, but survived some difficult moments with Karnataka forwards unable to scramble the ball in.

With Karnataka looking all set to wrap up the game, IOB came up with a last-ditch effort. They harried the visitors no end and finally, the Karnataka defence yielded ground by conceding a penalty corner that Gopinath converted with a drag-flick to make it 2-2.

In the dying moments, IOB nearly scored again, but a promising move down the middle was checked just in time by centre-half Bipin Bopaiah.