Glasgow, July 2026 : India’s Putul Sonowal suffered his first setback in the men’s singles lawn bowls competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026, losing 8-4, 9-8 to Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in a crucial Section D clash on Saturday. The straight-sets defeat ended Sonowal’s unbeaten run and significantly complicated his chances of reaching the semi-finals.
With the tournament format allowing only the winner of each section to qualify for the last four, every match carries immense importance. Dzulkeple’s victory propelled him to the top of Section D with three wins from three matches, giving him nine game points and a healthy shot difference of +18. Sonowal, meanwhile, slipped to second place with six game points and a shot difference of -8, leaving him with little margin for error in the remaining league fixtures.
The Malaysian made a confident start to the contest, taking control from the opening ends and establishing an early advantage. Although Sonowal fought back midway through the first set and narrowed the deficit, Dzulkeple maintained his composure to close out the set 8-4.
Facing elimination from the race for the section title, Sonowal needed to win the second set to force a tie-break. However, Dzulkeple once again seized the initiative and built a comfortable lead, leaving the Indian trailing by four shots after six ends. Refusing to give up, the reigning Asian champion produced an impressive comeback, gradually reducing the deficit and pushing the set to a thrilling finish. Despite his spirited recovery, Dzulkeple held his nerve in the decisive moments to edge the set 9-8 and secure victory in straight sets.
The defeat means Sonowal must now register convincing wins in his remaining Section D matches while also hoping the Malaysian suffers an unexpected defeat. Only then will the Indian have a realistic chance of topping the group and advancing to the semi-finals.
Sonowal had entered Saturday’s encounter in excellent form after winning his opening two matches. On Friday, he defeated Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in a hard-fought contest. After claiming the first set 7-5, Sonowal lost the second 8-6 but held his nerve to win the tie-break 1-0.
The Indian had earlier made a dream Commonwealth Games debut by stunning reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada. Ranked 21st in the world, Sonowal edged the opening set 5-4 before Bester responded by taking the second set 7-3. In the tie-break, Sonowal delivered a superb opening bowl to seal one of the biggest victories of his career.
While Saturday’s loss has made the road to the knockout stage considerably more difficult, Sonowal remains mathematically in contention. The Indian will now need flawless performances in his remaining matches and favourable results elsewhere if he is to keep his Commonwealth Games medal hopes alive.
Team Maverick.
