National volleyball: TN to meet Karnataka in men's final

: Defending champion Railways outclassed Maharashtra 3-0 to storm into the women's final of 67th Senior National Volleyball Championship at the Nehru indoor stadium here Wednesday.

In tomorrow's final, the strong Railways team will take on Kerala, which toyed with West Bengal, winning 3-0 conceding just 36 points in total.

The men's event will see the host Tamil Nadu take on Karnataka for the title.

In the semifinals, Tamil Nadu held off the stiff challenge from Kerala, winning 3-1 after dropping the first set while Karnataka demolished Punjab 3-0.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala were locked in a close battle in the first set, losing it 25-27 before bouncing back in style to win the next three to book a berth in the title round.

The Railways team boasting of several internationals, continued its strong run and did not allow Maharashtra any chance, easing home by a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 margin.

The other semifinal was a lopsided affair with Kerala romping home 25-18, 25-9, 25-9 against Bengal. The team from the south has been in good form throughout the tournament and proved too good for Bengal, with its players coming up with some searing smashes.

Results: Semifinals: Men: Karnataka beat Punjab 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-20), Tamil Nadu beat Kerala 3-1 (25-27, 25-14, 25-18, 25-16).

Women: Railways beat Maharashtra 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-19); Kerala beat West Bengal 3-0 (25-18, 25-9, 25-9).