GB suffer beach volleyball exit after Austria defeat

Britain's women's beach volleyball pair Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin failed to reach the last 16 after losing to Austria in the lucky loser match.

The GB team had a second chance after ending third in Group F after a loss to Russian duo Evgeniya Ukolova and Ekaterina Khomyakova earlier.

But they could not maintain a promising start against Doris and Stefanie Schwaiger losing 21-15 21-12.

Lucky losers explained

The top two teams in each of the six pools, along with the two best third-ranked teams, advance to the last 16. The remaining four third-placed teams will play lucky loser matches, with the two winners advancing to the round of 16

The defeat means both GB's men's and women's teams are out.

Austria were joined in the last 16 by Netherlands team Sophie van Gestel and Madelein Meppelink, who won their lucky loser match over Czech pair Lenka Hajeckova and Hana Klapalova at Horse Guards Parade.

"We just want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us," said Mullin. "We're very proud of you guys for being behind us all the time.

"It's been an incredible week for us. We brought our game home to Britain and it's been just amazing for us, thanks to everyone."

Dampney added: "Every time we stepped on court it's given me goose pimples.

"We've loved every second and that's down to you guys and our family and friends. It's been amazing."