London: India's mixed doubles pair Jwala Gutta and V Diju have virtually been knocked out of the London Olympics after losing their second consecutive match in the group stages at the Wembley Arena today.
Jwala-Diju who were seen as a strong medal prospect could not pose any kind of challenge to the 2009 World Championships winning pair Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl from Denmark and succumbed to a 12-21 16-21.
The Indian pair was under pressure right from the word go and erroneous stroke making cost them. Indian pair proved no match for them and the Danes were able to maintain healthy lead in the first game. They cruised off to win the opening game in no time.
The second game Thomas and Kamilla looked like they were in a hurry to wrap of the match. They opened up a 5-0 lead before the Indians caught them on 7-7. But then they continued their surge and went to break at 11-9. The Indian made a last gasp and did reduce the gap to 19-18, but then could not produce enough to win.
Jwala and Diju will now take on the Korean pair of Yong Dae Lee and Jung Eun Ha in their last group match on Tuesday.
By Indian Sports News Network
