Vida Kovai Kings ruled the roost in its first step towards recapturing the Tamil Nadu Premier League crown while the SKM Salem side fought like anything but the Spartans in the 34-run loss at the NPR College Ground here on Thursday. Asked to take first strike, the two-time champion powered to a competitive 194 for eight, riding on No. Pacer Deeban Lingesh (three for 14) put paid to Salem’s hopes with a three-wicket opening burst, which included a two-wicket first-over maiden. Earlier, Sachin sent another reminder of his growing potential in white-ball cricket. His 85-run second-wicket partnership with Abhinav Kannan put Kovai on course for what was a winning score.