Abahani got off to an auspicious start in the Green Delta Premier Hockey League Super Five when they handed a 3-1 defeat to Sonali Bank yesterday.

Abahani, who bounced back in the title race with a 2-0 win over holders Usha Krira Chakra on the previous day, stayed on course for regaining the title after one season with goals from Russell Mahmud Jimmy and Indian recruits Prakash Chalke and Ronald Kiran.

Bottom-table Sonali Bank pulled back a late goal through Zahid Bin Talib Shuva.

The sky-blues extended their tally to 24 points after nine rounds, meaning Usha who also started the super league on 21 points, must beat Mohammedan Sporting Club today to stay on topjointly withAbahani.

Abahani, who turned out at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium to play for the third successive day -- it took a couple of days to settle their match against Usha -took early control with Dhanraj Pillay being inspirational in shaping Abahani's eighth victory.

The former Indian international and hockey superstar Pillay, who set both the goals against Usha, put on an indefatigable performance as he was found at defence and attack. But he was most impressive with inch-perfect passes that unsettled the rival

defence to create both first half goals.

The first one came after six minutes when league top scorer Jimmy, with a ball from Pillay, exchanged passes with Khokon to invade the rival box and hit the ball past goalkeeper Rakib for his 14th goal. Six minutes later, Pillay picked Prakash and the unmarked forward made no mistake to slam the ball home.

Abahani, who wasted three penalty corners, relaxed on the two-goal cushion and Kiran sealed three points from a 47-minute penalty corner.

The bankers, who stuck to 12 points, reduced the arrears when Shuva celebrated his call-up to the national team for the Asiad with a field goal seven minutes from time.