The opening game saw them in the lead for quite some time, but on both occasions- before and after the interval, they squandered the advantage
Just the sort of ending Gutta/ Ponnappa didn't need to their Rio Olympics campaign
That's it. Gutta/Ponnappa lose 17-21 15-21 to the Thai pair of Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Puttita Supajirakul .
20-15! Is there a late surge on the cards?
7 match point opportunities
18-13! A third loss for Gutta/Ponnappa looks imminent
Unless a very dramatic comeback happens, Gutta and Ponnappa are on the verge of losing their third straight match.
16-12! This is getting one sided here
Another point for the Indian duo! 15-12
15-11! Can Gutta and Ponnappa get a few more points here?
Gutta/Ponnappa reach doubles digits! 14-10
This is turning out to be a very one-sided game! 14-9
A crunch moment in the game.
A third straight point for Gutta and Ponnappa! 11-8
Good start for the Indians are the break! 11-7
Wow! What a game so far for the Thai! They have dominated proceedings so far and the Indians need a big comeback after the break
At the interval in the second game, the Thai pair of Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Puttita Supajirakul lead by 11-5.
10-5! Can Gutta and Ponnappa make a comeback after the break?
9-4! A five point gap now! This isn't looking one bit good
This isn't looking good for the Indian duo. They need to get a string of points to stay in the game.
The Thai are well and truly on top here. Lead 7-4
6-4! Two straight points for Gutta and Ponnappa
6-3
Not the kind of start that the Indian duo needed in the second game
For a second consecutive Olympics, they are knocked out in the group stage. A lot of work is required in the near future.