Kumari begin with a win

Chennai: Kumari Phoenix began their Tamil Nadu Volleyball League (TNVL) campaign on a winning note, pipping Villupuram Super Kings 3-2 here on Thursday. Kumari won their opening match by a 21-20, 21-18, 14-21, 20-21, 21-18 scoreline. After winning the hard-fought first two sets, Kumari let Villupuram back into the contest by conceding the next two sets. But the Phoenix team held its nerve in the fifth and final set to walk away as the victor. Dhilip Kumar (18 points) was Kumari’s top performer, while India international Ashwal Rai (17 points) showed his class. TNN