NAGPUR: Niranjan Nimkar would like to forget this day. For, despite his stunning victory over world number one Maria Irudayam, Maharashtra lost the Senior National carrom men's team championship final to Indian Airlines 1-2. Nimkar won 25-18, 12-25, 25-24. But Mahimai Raj (IA) overcame Babulal Shrimal (Maharashtra) 25-7, 24-25, 25-20 and fifth seed B Radhakrishnan beat Sanjay Mande 25-16, 0-25, 25-23. In the women's section, reigning champions Tamil Nadu lost to Bank Sports Board (BSB) 1-2.

Narain fifth in F-3

Mumbai: Indian Formula driver Narain Karthikeyan was in fifth spot after the second round of the British Formula 3 Championship, according to a press release received here.

The second round was held over the weekend in Silverstone, Northampton where 22 drivers took part. Karthikeyan was fourth after the opening round on March 21.

The next race is schedule for April 11 at Thurxton.

Sheetal loses

MUMBAI: Sixth seed Sheetal Gautam lost3-6, 3-6 to Marie Pelletier of Canada in the second round of the ITF Junior International tennis at Pattaya City (Thailand). On Wednesday, Radhika Tulpule lost to fourth seed Elena Baltacha of Britain at Mali Milk Cup ITF Junior International at Bangkok.

Kerala beat Delhi

Mukkam: Having already qualified for the Super League yesterday, Kerala men took it easy against Delhi in the National volleyball league (Group II) preliminary match today. Kerala finally won 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24.Delhi's fate now depends on the performance of Services and Andhra Pradesh.In the last match yesterday, Tamil Nadu men swamped Andhra Pradesh.

-- ENS & Agencies