Chennai, Jun 8 (IANS): The Indian Volleyball League continued to chart an unpredictable course as hosts Chennai Spikers, runners-up of the first-leg in Bangalore last month, defeated Kerala Killers in a five-setter that could have gone either way.

The Spikers eventually scrambled to a 25-23, 25-27, 25-21, 16-25, 17-15 win to remain in contention for the top honours.

Meanwhile, Yanam Tigers overcame Hyderabad Chargers 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19 in a well-fought encounter earlier in the day that ended with Maratha Warriors scoring over Karnataka Bulls at 25-13, 25-18, 25-20.

The second-leg that concludes on Wednesday has all the six teams tied with two wins apiece to set up a thrilling finale on the morrow.

Late Monday night, Kerala Killers surprised front-runners and first-leg winners Maratha Warriors 27-25, 22-25, 25-13, 25-23, 15-13 while Karnataka Bulls got past Yanam Tigers 15-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-15, 15-8, and Chennai Spikers defeated Hyderabad Chargers 25-16, 25-18, 25-15 for their first win in two matches.