India’s Putul Sonowal pulled off a major upset on his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, beating reigning World Champion Ryan Bester in men’s singles sectional play category in bowls on Thursday.
In his Section D opener, Sonowal defeated Canada’s Bester in a thrilling encounter that went into a tiebreaker.
Ranked 21st in the world, the Indian clinched a close first set 5-4 to take the lead against two-time CWG silver medallist Bester.
Bester showed his class and took the second set with a 7-3 scoreline.
READ | India beats Malta in tiebreaker in women’s pairs in bowls
Bester won the toss and had the first roll in the tiebreak. The Indian’s opening attempt landed close to the kitty which ultimately proved enough to seal the win.
Bester won a bronze in the Men’s Singles in 2006 CWG before pocketing a silver each in 2014 and 2018 editions. He has also won seven World Outdoor Championships medals in Singles and Pairs, including a gold and a bronze in Singles and Pairs in the 2023 edition. He was inducted into the inaugural World Bowls Hall of Fame class in 2025.
Reigning Asian champion Sonowal, who represents Assam Police, will face Cecil Alexander of Falkland Islands in his next Section D match on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki won their women’s pairs match in a tiebreaker against the Rixon sisters from Malta – Rebecca Louise and Connie-Leigh.
Published on Jul 23, 2026
