CWG 2026: Putul Sonowal's unbeaten run ends after loss to Malaysia's Izzat Dzulkeple
Glasgow, July 25
India's Putul Sonowal suffered his first defeat in the men's singles lawn bowls competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026, going down 8-4, 9-8 to Malaysia's Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in a crucial Section D encounter on Saturday.
The defeat ended Sonowal's unbeaten start in Glasgow and dealt a blow to his hopes of progressing to the semifinals. Under the competition format, only the winner of each section advances to the last four, leaving no room for runners-up.
Malaysia's Dzulkeple strengthened his grip on top spot in Section D with three wins from three matches. He leads the standings with nine game points and a healthy +18 shot difference, while Sonowal sits second on six game points with a -8 shot difference.
The Malaysian made a bright start, racing into an early advantage before Sonowal gradually found his rhythm. The Indian reduced the gap midway through the opening set, but Dzulkeple remained in control and closed it out 8-4.
Needing to win the second set to force a tie-break, Sonowal once again found himself chasing the contest after the Malaysian opened up a sizeable lead. Trailing by four shots after the sixth end, the reigning Asian champion mounted a determined late comeback and pushed the set to the wire. However, Dzulkeple held firm in the closing moments to edge the set 9-8 and complete the victory in straight sets.
The loss leaves Sonowal needing convincing wins in his remaining Section D matches while also relying on Dzulkeple to slip up if he is to keep his hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
Sonowal had entered the contest on the back of two impressive victories. On Friday, he defeated Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in another tense encounter that went the distance. After taking the opening set 7-5, Sonowal conceded the second 8-6 before clinching the tie-break 1-0.
The Indian had also announced himself in style on his Commonwealth Games debut by upsetting reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada. Ranked 21st in the world, Sonowal edged the opening set 5-4 before Bester levelled the match by winning the second 7-3. Sonowal then delivered a superb opening bowl in the tie-break to seal one of the biggest wins of his career.
Despite Saturday's setback, Sonowal remains in contention mathematically, though his path to the knockout stage has become significantly more complicated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's really inspiring to see an Indian athlete in lawn bowls making headlines. We need more sports coverage beyond cricket and kabaddi. Putul, you've made us proud already! 😊
Tough loss, but honestly, the format is harsh—only group winners advance. Putul needs to win big in his remaining matches and hope Malaysia slips up. The shot difference of -8 is worrying though. Still, the fight he showed in the second set is commendable. 🏏
Lawn bowls? Never heard of it until now, but Putul's story is amazing. From a small town to beating the world champion and competing at the Commonwealth Games—this is the kind of stuff that should be on news channels, not just the usual stuff. Great job, Putul! 🇮🇳
Every athlete has ups and downs. What matters is how you respond. Putul has already shown his class by defeating the world champion. This defeat is just a temporary setback. Believe in yourself, Putul! We're all rooting for you. 🙏
It's great to see India making strides in niche sports. But I wish the sports ministry gave more support to athletes in disciplines like lawn bowls. They train hard with little recognition. Putul's performance so far is praiseworthy—keep going! 💪
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