Neyveli (Tamil Nadu): Defending champions Kerala suffered a big blow as they were held to a goalless draw by minnows Puducherry, but Telangana's win over Services offered them a lifeline in the Santosh Trophy South Zone qualifiers here on Wednesday.
Kerala, who had played out a goalless draw with Telangana in their opening Group B match, failed to find the mark yet again and have two points from as many games.
Services, who beat Puducherry in their opening encounter, went down to Telangana 1-2 later in the day.
Telangana lead the group with four points, followed by Services (three) and Kerala (two). Puducherry are at the bottom with a solitary point from two matches.
Kerala, who meet Services in their final group match on Friday, need to win to have any hopes of making it to the final round. Telangana could seal their place in the final round with a victory over Puducherry on the same day.
