CWG 2026: Pinki-Rupa duo edge Malta in women's pairs contest
Glasgow, July 24
India's Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey began their Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign with a hard-fought victory in the women's pairs event, while Putul Sonowal stunned reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada in the men's singles at the Scottish Event Campus on Thursday, according to Olympics.com.
Pinki and Rupa, members of India's gold medal-winning women's fours team from Birmingham 2022, defeated Malta's Connie Rixon and Rebecca Rixon in their Section B contest.
The Indian duo dominated the opening set 7-1, but Malta fought back to win the second set and force a tie-break. Pinki's final bowl proved decisive as India sealed the victory.
Meanwhile, 43-year-old Putul Sonowal marked his Commonwealth Games debut with an impressive win over reigning world champion Bester. The reigning Asian champion prevailed in a tie-break after the two players split the opening two sets.
Sonowal edged the first set 5-4 before Bester responded with a 7-3 win in the second set in their Section D opener. The section features six players, with the winners of each of the four sections advancing to the semi-finals.
Putul will next face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his second men's singles Section D match, while Pinki and Rupa will take on South Africa in their next women's pairs fixture. Both matches are scheduled for Friday.
At Glasgow 2026, bowls has begun with sectional group play, with players and teams competing in a round-robin format for a place in the knockout stages.
The competition is being staged indoors for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, while the basic objective remains the same -- rolling the bowls as close as possible to the jack, the small target ball.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This indoor bowls format is interesting — big change from traditional outdoor play. But our girls adapted well despite Malta fighting back. Let's hope South Africa match brings another win. Also, 43 years old and Putul Sonowal debuts by beating the world champ? Age is just a number, yaar! 🔥
Honest observation: Malta pushed us hard in the second set. Our pairs team needs to maintain consistency throughout the match, not just in one set. But credit to Rupa and Pinki for holding nerve in the tie-break. Putul's victory is huge for Indian bowls — he's inspiring a generation. 👏
Sad that bowls doesn't get much coverage compared to cricket or badminton. These athletes work just as hard. Pinki and Rupa are gold medalists from Birmingham 2022, and Putul is a former Asian champion. Hope more people follow their journey in Glasgow! 🏆
As a bowls enthusiast, I'm thrilled to see our women's pairs team start strong. Rupa and Pinki have great synergy. Putul's win is sensational — but let's be patient, the section has tough matches ahead. Falkland Islands match should be winnable. Fingers crossed for Friday! 🤞
Respect to Putul Sonowal — from the Northeast, making India proud at 43! This man is a true inspiration. Pinki-Rupa duo showing why they're the gold medalists. Malta fightback is a wake-up call though; can't afford to lose focus. South Africa will be tough. 🇮🇳💪
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