India’s pristine start to the Commonwealth Games 2026 lawn bowls competition came to a halt on Saturday evening as Asian champion Putul Sonowal suffered a straight-sets loss to Malaysia’s undefeated Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple.
Sonowal lost 4–8, 8–9 in a thrilling third Section D fixture at the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre. The result marks the first overall defeat for the entire Indian lawn bowls contingent across all disciplines in Glasgow, snapping a remarkable multi-event unbeaten streak that had given the country its dream start to the Games.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Updates
END OF THE STREAK
Known for his ice-cool, late-game heroics in the opening rounds, where he produced dramatic tie-break turnarounds against world champion Ryan Bester and the Falkland Islands’ Cecil Alexander, Sonowal was unable to pull off another clutch escape against the clinical Malaysian international. Dzulkeple dictated terms early in the opening set, controlling the jack and racing to a swift 4–0 lead before Sonowal could establish his line. Sonowal chipped away at the margin to bring the score back to 4–3, but Dzulkeple regrouped in the closing ends to draw decisive bowls and claim the set 8–4.
The second set delivered high drama and showcased Sonowal’s refusal to go down quietly. Trailing 0–3 early on, the Indian veteran adjusted his weight and mounted a determined rally to stay alive.
QUALIFICATION PICTURE
Entering End 7 facing match point, the 43-year-old Indian took a tactical time-out to confer with his coach on the green before delivering his final attempt. Sonowal delivered under pressure, drawing close to pick up a spirited three points and narrow the deficit to 8–9. However, Dzulkeple held his nerve under intense pressure on his final delivery to secure the single point needed to seal a 2–0 match victory.
The setback leaves Sonowal sitting second in Section D with a 2–1 match record and a -8 shot difference, while Dzulkeple remains firmly entrenched at the top of the table with a perfect 3–0 mark and nine game points.
Under the stringent Glasgow 2026 tournament format, only the top spot in each section advances straight to the semi-finals, leaving no wildcard entries or second chances for group runners-up. Sonowal no longer controls his own qualification fate. India’s top singles star must now win his remaining group fixtures against Shaun James Parnis and Anwar Hamada convincingly while relying on other section results to go his way if he hopes to keep his medal pursuit alive.
– Ends
