London: Star Indian pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa kept their hopes alive in the women’s doubles event of the London Olympics after they won their first match in the tournament here at the Wembley Arena.
The Indian combo beat Chinese Taipei's Wen Hsing Cheng and Yu Chin Chien 25-22, 16-21, 21-18 in a group B match in 55 minutes.
Jwala and Ashwini got off to a great start and quickly went to 11-6 lead but the some sloppy play cut down their advantage in the match. Both team were busy capitalizing on each other’s mistake and at a point saw the game being at tied at 21-21. But the Indians showed great character to notch some crucial winners to wrap up the game.
The Chinese Taipei duo came out with a new spirit in the second one and made it rather to easy.
The decider was an intense affair. But then a narrow lead maintained by the Indian combination help them edge past the challenge and stay alive in the tournament.
Jwala and Ashwini's who lost their opening match will now have to beat Singaporean pair Shinta Mulia Sari and Lei Yao to advance to the next round.
By Indian Sports Network
