Andhra Pradesh had no clue as to what was happening to them in the first set, which was over within 13 minutes. Their net block left a lot to be desired and the spiking was pathetic. The AP girls remained mute spectators to Anu Jacob's excellent shots.

A thoroughly demoralised AP continued to be mediocre in the second set and paid dearly for it. Kerala, who were sitting pretty at 4-11, began to adopt a casual approach and AP came as close as 10-11.

Anu's twin sister Suni was awfully off form and was substituted before being brought back. A deft placement by Praseeda off a Mercy Serve put Kerala ahead by two sets. The second game, however, lasted 22 minutes.

AP's tale of woes continued in the third game too as a rejuvenated Anu guided Kerala to claimthe set and the match in a ruthless manner.

Hot favourites Indian Railway women did not have to exert much to post their second victory at the expense of a listless Tamil Nadu. The defending champions won 15-1, 15-5, 15-4 in about 50 minutes.

This was Tamil Nadu's second straight loss in as many matches. Realising that it was difficult to trouble a team as strong as the Railways, TN did not offer much resistance.

The inexperienced TN team left much space in their backyard and it made things rather easy for Railways, who made the whole affair look like a practice match.

Punjab police survive: Late last night title holders Punjab Police and aspirants Southern Railway were involved in a gruelling five-setter which was marred to the hilt by poor officiating.

The two referees earned the wrath of the agitated spectators, some of whom were about to invade the court. The match which went beyond midnight saw Punjab Police surviving the late surge of Southern Railways to win 15-11, 15-11, 3-15, 12-15,19-17.

Railways were erratic in their smashes towards the end and in their haste committed unforced errors at crucial junctures.

To compound to the woes of their team the policemen maintained their cool even when a couple of refereeing errors went against them. Railways, it seemed, were done in by some disputed calls in the fifth-set tie-breaker.

For Punjab Police Rattan Lal and Gurudip played their hearts out and in the Railways ranks it was undoubtedly M M Suresh and Sivarajan who excelled with their devastating smashes.

Kerala youth win: Young collegian Neethu Sibi was at her best as she led Kerala Youth to a rather easy 15-8, 11-15, 15-0 win over a rudderless Tamil Nadu.

Neethu, the youngest of a sister trio, was all over the court with her all-round display to fashion the first win for her side.