Paris baker

Rupa Rani Tirkey: The Indian women's pairs lawn bowls team of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki overcame a spirited challenge from Tonga's Paris Baker and Milika Nathan to register a hard-fought victory in their Commonwealth Games 2026 sectional play match on Saturday, sealing the contest with a composed performance in the tiebreak.

The Indian duo started cautiously and conceded the opening end as Tonga took a 1-0 lead in the first set. However, they responded immediately in the second end through excellent teamwork, with Pinki guiding Rupa Rani to deliver a precise bowl that finished close to the jack, helping India level the scores at 1-1.

Building on that momentum, the Indians controlled the remainder of the set to claim it 5-2 and move within touching distance of another victory.