Four of them booked their berths with consummate ease, while Bihar just about squeaked past Uttar Pradesh 1-0 in an absorbing Pool B encounter. Bihar, who needed a victory to see them through, did so with a 24th minute penalty stroke conversion by Masira Surin.

UP, led by captain Parul Singh, staged a walk-out after umpire Vijay Shetty penalised Parul for blocking a Bihar attacker deep in the circle. But after a three-minute break, wiser counsel prevailed and UP finally decided to get on with play.

The contest between the two was the closest seen in the competition so far. The pace was a wee bit slow but the method displayed in their build-ups for goals was pleasing and kept the spectators on their toes. Both, however, failed toutilise the flanks and as a result most of the good work petered out upon reaching the crowded circle.

UP came by the first chance in the 15th minute. Inside-left Moni Sonker had a clear view of the goal but her rising effort from the top of the circle flew hopelessly wide.

Bihar, SAI products comprising of adivasis and coached by Narendra S Saini, replied with a good counter. But unfortunately for them, Pramila Ekka's good reverse hit missed the far upright by inches.

Bihar then converted the stroke through Masira Surin beat UP goalkeeper Divya Singh with a stiff push all along the ground and to the right of the 'keeper.

Goalkeeper Divya frustrated a good shot by dangerous Bihar spearhead, international Adlene Kerketta and cleared to safety before left-winger Pramila could pounce on the rebound minutes before the interval.

On resumption, UP's Priya Singh missed a sitter after Mridula Kesarwani had done the spadework and at the other end, UP defender Pramila, who policed Adline well, brought off agoalline save following a Masira Sarin effort to keep UP in the fray.

MUMBAI ADVANCE: Mumbai earned a quarter-final berth with Chandigarh when they beat Gujarat 3-0 victory in Pool F.

Mumbai forced 13 penalty corners but could convert only one of them. Right-winger and captain Priya Manjeshwar wrested the lead in the 12th minute and the match was as good as over when Melanie D'Souza struck in the 33rd minute. International Shanghai Chanu rounded off the tally.

DELHI STRUGGLE: Delhi made heavy weather of their clash with Mahakoshal before disposing off their opponents with three second-half goals in Pool D. Star striker Pooja Rawat (2) and Manju were the goal-getters.

NISHI 'TRICKS: Four goals, including a hat-trick, by Nishi Chauhan propelled Chandigarh to a 6-0 triumph over Kerala in Pool E. Sunila Sharma and Dimple Thakur were the goal-getters.

ORISSA THROUGH: Orissa were off to a flying start in Pool G. They drubbed Andhra Pradesh 6-0 and earned a quarter-final berthas Mizoram failed to put in an appearance.

Pratima Tirkey (2), Ejren Dadel, Anjela Beck, Jasinti Toppo and Bahamani Tirkey scored.