New Delhi: India’s impressive start in the Commonwealth Games women’s pairs lawn bowls competition continued on Friday as Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki defeated South Africa to register their second consecutive victory.
The Indian pair produced another composed performance at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Hall 3, beating Thabelo Muvhango and Jacqui Janse van Rensburg 2-0 (6-4, 7-5) in their Section B clash. With the result, India moved to the top of the group standings after winning both of their opening matches.
South Africa pushed India throughout the contest, but the Indian duo stayed in control during the key moments to seal the match in straight sets.
India maintains perfect record
The victory follows India’s thrilling opening win over Malta on Thursday. In that match, Rupa Rani and Pinki comfortably claimed the first set 7-1 before Malta fought back to edge the second set 4-3.
The contest was eventually decided in a tie-break where Pinki delivered a superb final bowl to seal the win for India. Backing up that performance with another victory over South Africa has strengthened India’s position in the race for the knockout stage.
Experienced duo leading charge
Both Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki know what it takes to perform on the Commonwealth Games stage. The pair were part of India’s historic women’s fours team that won the country’s first-ever lawn bowls gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Although the women’s fours event is not part of the Glasgow programme, the experienced duo has quickly adapted to the pairs format. Rupa Rani is playing as the lead, while Pinki is taking on the role of skip, guiding the team through crucial moments with her tactical decisions.
According to PTI, India will now look to carry this momentum into their remaining Section B matches as they continue their push for a place in the medal rounds.