Jwala-Diju on brink of exit at London Games

India’s mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju are virtually out of the London Olympics as they suffered yet another straight-game defeat in their second group game in the badminton competition at the Wembley arena here today.

The 2009 World Championships winners Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark, seeded eighth, proved too hot to handle for the 13th ranked Indian combo as they succumbed to a 12-21 16-21 loss in just half an hour here.

The Indian combo looked erratic and could not match their rivals, who were in control of the match throughout. Jwala and Diju failed to create any opportunity against the Dane pair, who pushed the Indians on the backfoot right from the start and maintained the pressure.

The Danish pair initially opened up a 6-3 lead and with the Indians faltering at the nets and their shots going wayward, they extended the lead to 12-4.

The Danes moved comfortably to the match point with a smash by Thomas, who also shut the match with a quick backhand return, which the Indians had no clue.

In the second game, Thomas and Kamilla attacked from the start and surged to 5-0. The Indians played some good rallies to catch up at 7-7 but could not stop the Danish duo, who went into the break at 11-9.

After that it was once again a catch up act for the Indians, who fought to narrow the gap to 16-18 but Thomas and Kamilla had the last laugh as they sealed the issue when Diju’s return went to the nets.

Jwala and Diju will take on the Korean pair of Yong Dae Lee and Jung Eun Ha in their last group match on Tuesday.