Bangalore, June 1: Defending champions Maharashtra women made a winning start to their campaign when they thrashed Punjab 72-47 in a Group B match of the basketball competition of the fourth National Games at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium Complex.

Maharashtra gained most from the fact that Railways are not eligible to participate in the Games. They have the liberty of choosing players from Western and Central Railway teams.

Maharashtra initially exhibited their expertise in defence by restricting the frequency of Punjab's attempts at the basket while building up a 11-0 lead. Punjab bridged the gap to 11-6 but that was about all they could do as Maharashtra scored persistently off fast breaks to dispirit Punjab.Karnataka women made an inauspicious start, going down 56-51 to Andhra Pradesh in a Group A match.

In the opening men's league match, National runners-up Punjab rolled over Uttar Pradesh 80-30 in Group B. In another match in the same group, Bihar defeated Rajasthan 75-68.

Karnataka captain, veteran Jayawanthi Shyam's brilliant performance as a ball-handler failed to inspire her teammates as Karnataka went down after a close fight.

At the other end Andhra's tallest player, Yamuna Philip, who excelled with safe under-the-board shots for a top score of 22, scored through a fast break to give AP the lead once again which they never relinquished.

In a match of fluctuating fortunes in group B, Chandigarh overcame a resurgent MP to win 58-52. Chandigarh led 30-22 at half time but MP outscored their rivals in a 23-8 spree to turn the tables and hold the advantage at 45-40. But Chandigarh found their moorings, scored 13 points while conceding none to regain the lead and complete the formalities.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.