India’s Putul Sonowal suffered his first defeat of the Commonwealth Games 2026, losing 4-8, 8-9 to Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in the men’s singles Section D sectional play on Saturday.
The loss left Sonowal second in Section D, behind unbeaten Dzulkeple, and cost him the chance to take the lead. With only the section winner advancing to the semifinals, the Indian must now win his remaining match and rely on other results.
Sonowal entered the Round 3 contest after winning his opening two matches through tie-breaks, including a memorable victory over reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada.
However, Dzulkeple, a former World No. 1 and the men’s singles silver medallist at the 2024 World Bowls Indoor Championships, controlled the opening set.
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The Malaysian opened a 4-0 lead after three ends before Sonowal responded by reducing the deficit to 4-3 after the fifth. Dzulkeple then collected four shots in the sixth end and closed out the set 8-4.
Sonowal pushed his opponent much closer in the second set, but Dzulkeple held on to edge it 9-8 and complete a straight-sets victory.
There was brief confusion after the sixth end when Sonowal called for a time-out. Dzulkeple appeared not to notice the request and delivered his bowl, which an official stopped midway down the rink. Play resumed shortly afterwards.
Sonowal will next face Malta’s Shaun Parnis in another Section D match at 7:15 PM IST on Sunday.
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Published on Jul 25, 2026