Chennai: Karnataka came from behind to score twice to beat ONGC, New Delhi, two-one to enter the final of the 80th All India MCC Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey tournament on Friday.

ONGC went in to the lead in the 16th Minute through Amarjeet Prasad and Karnataka's Sandeep Michael found parity in the 32nd minute. Crossing over, Karantaka's K M Somanna scored the winner.

ONGC went ahead against the run of play as Mohd Fahad collected a loose ball and made a swift pass to Amarjeet Pratap, whose first timer beat the goal-keeper, Bharath Chetri and the defenders.

Stung by the reverses, Karnataka applied more pressure. Though it could not split the defence it succeeded in collecting three penalty corners. But none of them could be converted into a goal.

However, hardworking Ignatius Tirkey, in good nick all through the tournament, showed lot of athleticism on the left flank in dodging past the defenders. His tailor made cross was met by Arjuna Hallapa, whose shot towards the goal was feebly intercepted by defender S Z Nadeem.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Michael, standing nearby, swiftly trapped the ball and banged it home for the equaliser, three minutes before the break. Tirkey was Karantaka's man as he was instrumental in each of its attacks and had a role to play in its winning goal.

He took advantage of ONGC's Ranjeet Singh's lapse almost on the half line and sped towards the goal. His powerful shot from about eight yards was blocked by goal- keeper Kamaldeep Singh. Somanna latched on the rebounder and shot home.

Karnataka could have increased its tally but Kamaldeep made two good saves.

PTI