Jwala-Diju lose again, Saina sails in opener

India had contrasting luck on Day 2 of the London Olympics badminton competition at the Wembley Arena on Sunday afternoon. While fourth seed Saina Nehwal coasted in her opening group E match of the women’s singles 21-9, 21-4 in just 22 minutes, India’s mixed doubles team of Jwala Gutta and V.Diju suffered its second straight defeat in Group C. The Indian duo has little chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.

A medal hope in the badminton competition, Jwala and Diju disappointed for the second successive day. On Sunday, they lost to the Danish team of Kamilla Juhl and Thomas Laybourn 21-12, 2-16 in little over half-an-hour. On Saturday, they lost to an Indonesian team, the highest ranked in their group. Jwala and Diju are left to play a Korean team and for all practical reasons have no chance to make it to the knockout stages.

Gutta refused to meet the media after the defeat. The more docile Diju blamed it on a disputed call when the Danes were leading 17-15 in the second game. Jwala vehemently challenged the decision but the chair umpire would have nothing of it. “That was definitely the turning point for us. If we had clinched game No. 2, we would have had a good chance,” said Diju.

Even if Diju blamed the disputed net call, the Danes were definitely the better team on court. Laybourn and Kamilla now have a hattrick of wins against Jwala and Diju. “We prepared well for this match. We had seen their videos and we knew where to attack,” said Laybourn in an exclusive interview after the match.

Diju was the weaker link in the Indian team. Poor court coverage and a slew of unforced errors only made it easier for the Danes. Jwala wasn’t her usual aggressive self. Three tough matches in 24 hours wasn’t the kind of preparation  going into a tough group match.

Saina, playing on Court 2,  had little problems beating her Swiss rival Sabrina Jaquet. She had 31 service winners and never looked back once she won the first set. Saina was up 10-1 in the second game and wrapped up the contest very quickly.

“It was a good start for sure. The conditions are a bit stuffy at the Arena, but it’s ok. I have to win my next games in the group and that won’t be easy,” said Saina after the match.

Saina was sad for Jwala and Diju. “They are a good team. You feel bad when they lose, but there is little I can do. I am focusing on my singles,” Saina said.