Disappointing but not surprised: Jwala/ Ashwini lose their opening match to the top seeds

WOMEN'S DOUBLES PAIR of Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa began India's campaign in badminton at the Rio Olympics. But it wasn't a good start from the unseeded Indian duo. They were playing their first match of Group A against the top seeds from Japan, Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi.

The top seeds won the match comfortably to kick-start their campaign on a winning note. The result of the match isn't surprising as the Japanese duo were dominant throughout the match. But credit needs to be given to Jwala/Ashwini who showed great fighting spirit. 

It was a good start from the Indian pair but some miss timed shots from Jwala cost the pair a couple of points. At times, she looked clumsy as she couldn't connect her shots well. It was not an easy task to keep the Japanese pair down for a very long time. Smashing all the way, they won the first game comfortably 21-15.

As the match progressed into the second game, it was all about Matsutomo/Takahashi as they bettered their points this time, winning the second game 21-10. 

The smashes from the Japanese duo were like bullets and the Indians were clearly rattled.

Jwala/Ashwini need to pick themselves up and win their next match in order keep their hopes alive. The opponents in their next match will be the Dutch duo of Eefjie Muskens/Selena Piek.