Haryana, Madhya Pradesh eves brighten semifinal hopes

Ranchi, Feb 18 (PTI) Surinder Kaur''s double hat-trickpropelled Haryana to a massive 17-0 win against Assam andvirtually book a semifinal berth in women''s hockey event ofthe 34th National Games at the Astroturf ground here today.

Captain Jasjeet Kaur and Rani also accomplished ahat-trick each for Haryana.

Madhya Pradesh, too, brightened their chances of a lastfour berth by blanking Maharashtra 6-0 in the second match ofthe day.

Haryana, who went to the break at 8-0, came back to pumpin nine more to leave the hapless Assam team bruised andbattered.

Haryana, who had earlier thrashed Uttar Pradesh 8-0, willplay star-studded Jharkhand on February 21 to decide the grouptoppers.

The hosts have notched up impressive victories over UttarPradesh (9-0) and Assam (8-0) in the group matches.