Glasgow, July 23: India’s Putul Sonowal produced one of the biggest upsets of the Commonwealth Games 2026 bowls competition, defeating reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada in a thrilling men’s singles Section D encounter on his Games debut here on Thursday.
The reigning Asian champion overcame the vastly experienced Canadian in a contest that went the distance before prevailing in a tiebreak after the match ended 1-1 in regulation play.
World No. 21 Sonowal edged the opening set 5-4 to take an early lead, but Bester, a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, bounced back strongly to claim the second set 7-3 and force the decider.With the match hanging in the balance, Bester won the toss and rolled first in the tiebreak. However, Sonowal responded with a superb opening bowl that finished closest to the jack, proving decisive as the Indian secured a memorable victory over one of the sport’s most decorated players.Bester, a World Bowls Hall of Fame inductee, boasts an illustrious career that includes Commonwealth Games silver medals in Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018, along with a bronze in Manchester 2006. He has also won seven medals at the World Outdoor Championships, including gold medals in singles and pairs at the 2023 edition.The victory gives Sonowal a flying start to his Commonwealth Games campaign. He will next face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his second Section D match on Friday.For Sonowal, the triumph marks a dream start to his maiden Commonwealth Games campaign and reinforces his growing stature on the international stage. (IANS)
