Police AC, CAG reach Beighton quarter-finals

Gurpreet Singh fired a hat-trick as Police Athletic Club overwhelmed Canara Bank 5-1 to romp into the quarter-finals of the 121st All India Beighton Cup Hockey Tournament here on Monday.

Gurpreet converted three penalty corners in the 4th, 16th and 42nd minutes, while Prtiam Mistri and Atunu Saha scored field goals for the policemen, who led 2-0 at half time. Vergese John struck a consolation goal for the bankmen.

In another match, Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Delhi, scraped past Central Railway 5-4 (1-1) via penalty shootout to make their way into the last eight at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ground here.

CAG went into the lead in the 17th minute through skipper Nithin Thimmaih, but the rail team restored parity 10 minutes later when Naved Bhavdav converted a penalty stroke.

In the penalty shoot-out, CAG's Nithin Thimmaih, Azam Beg, Nikin Thimmaiah and Guru Pratap were successful, while A.B. Ayappa floundered.

On the other hand, Central Railway's Victo Singh, Viswa Rai and Anoop Walmiki managed to score, but Rajendra Pawa and Md. Nizam were unsuccessful.

--IANS

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