Star studded Indian Airlines, Delhi, defeated Karnataka 4-2, after leading 2-1 at half-time, in the second semi-final (first leg) of the 41st Bombay Gold Cup hockey tournament at the Mahindra sStadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
Though the mighty Indian Airlines dominated the proceedings, they were give a run for their money by the young Karnataka outfit, especially when the youngsters caught up with their much experienced rival twice before bowing out with their heads held high.
Airlines took the lead in the 19th minute when former India skipper Mukesh Kumar converted their first penalty-corner.
Seven minutes later Karnataka equalised when centre-half Abhinay Ganapathy scored off a Laxman Rao pass.
Indian Airlines again went ahead four minutes before the breather when their defender Bimal Lakra converted their third penalty-corner, but the Karnataka lads fought back and equalised in the 41st minute through forward Krishna Reddy, who scored off Ajay Aiyappa's pass.
But Indian Airlines showed why they are rated the best in the country when they ragained the lead in the 54th minute. This time Ameer converted their fourth penalty-corner.
Mercurial Indian forward Dhanraj Pillay then rounded off the tally a minute from the hooter when he scored off the team's fifth penalty-corner.
Tomorrow is a rest day and the second leg semi-finals between Indian Oil and Western Railway and Indian Airlines and Karnataka XI will be held on Monday.
The final slated for Tuesday.
