Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Putul Sonowal just shocked the bowls world. The Assam local and Asian champion took down reigning World Champion Ryan Bester during his debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 23. The men's singles Section D opener went to a tense tiebreaker.
Sonowal took the first set 5-4. Bester fired back to grab the second 7-3. Bester won the toss and started the tiebreaker, but Sonowal parked his opening bowl right next to the kitty. That single shot sealed the win. It was a massive upset.
Bester is a legend of the sport. He won a bronze in 2006 and silver medals in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Canadian star also holds seven World Outdoor Championships medals and earned a spot in the inaugural World Bowls Hall of Fame class in 2025.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the victory. "A phenomenal achievement by Putul Sonowal! Defeating the reigning World Champion in his Commonwealth Games debut is no ordinary feat. Wishing him the very best for the matches ahead. The entire nation is cheering for you!" he said.
Sonowal works for the Assam Police. He faces Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands on July 24 to continue his campaign.
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