Chennai: Local lads Chennai Veerans trounced Hyderabad Sultans in the inaugural match of the Premier Hockey League by a 4-1 margin, with captain Adam Sinclair scoring twice in two minutes.

The Sultans squandered several opportunities despite raiding the enemy territory continuously and earning as many as nine penalty corners, compared to Veerans' three.

Brilliant saves by Veeran's goalkeeper Sreejesh and timely interventions by full back Ragunath denied the Sultans at least two more goals. Pushing the ball wide off the post more than twice added to their woes.

Chennai Veerans went into the lead in the 16th minute with Vikram Kanth's reverse superb reverse shot sailing into the post. They led 1-0 at half time.

Veerans scored thrice in the third quarter with Suresh Kumar, Ashwin and Raja, Pawal Lakra combining superbly with skipper Adam Sinclair.

In a well-conceived move in the left flank, Adam Sinclair passed the ball to Pawal who dribbled on the goalline and sent a quick backpass. When Sureshkumar tried to drive it in, it deflected off Pawal's stick into the board in the 38th minute.

Sinclair pounced like a cat on two lapses in the Sultan defence, scoring in the 49th and 50th minutes.

The solitary goal for Sultans came in the 68th minute from Vikram Pillai, who scored from a penalty corner.