CWG 2026: Putul Sonowal stuns world champion Ryan Bester in lawn bowls thriller
Indian lawn bowler Putul Sonowal achieved a major upset by defeating reigning world champion Ryan Bester in his Commonwealth Games debut. Additionally, the Indian women's pairs team secured a victory against Malta in a tense tie-break match.
Why it matters
This marks a significant performance for India in a niche sport at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, highlighting emerging talent.
NEW DELHI: India made a sensational start to their Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign as lawn bowler Putul Sonowal pulled off a stunning upset against reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada in the Men's Singles competition on Thursday.Making his Commonwealth Games debut, the Assam-born bowler showed remarkable composure to defeat one of the biggest names in the sport, winning the contest in a tense tie-break after both players shared the opening two sets.Sonowal, the reigning Asian champion, won the first set 5-4 before Bester responded strongly with a dominant 7-3 victory in the second set to force a decider.However, the Indian kept his calm when it mattered most, edging the tie-break to complete a memorable victory in his opening match of Section D.The win was particularly significant given Bester's decorated career.
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