Commonwealth Games 2026: Singapore Lawn Bowlers Deliver Promising Showing Against World-Class Opposition on Debut

Tiong narrowly missed out on a possible knockout berth after losing in a tight contest in her final pool match with O'Neill. Photo: Commonwealth Games Singapore/ Lim Weixiang

Singapore's four-member bowls contingent wrapped up their Commonwealth Games debut at the 2026 Glasgow Games by proving they could hold their own against some of the sport's traditional powerhouses, leaving with several notable scalps despite not advancing to the latter stages.

With qualification to the semi-finals requiring topping the group, there was little to no margin for error for the athletes.

Women's singles player Serena Tiong registered three wins from five matches to finish fourth out of six in an extremely competitive group. The reigning national pairs champion showed remarkable composure as she opened her campaign with a statement 2-0 (10-4, 6-2) victory over New Zealand's former world No. 2 and 2023 World Bowls Championships singles gold medallist, Tayla Bruce.

She followed up with victories over Niue's World Bowls Champion of Champions representative Catherine Papani and Botswana's Boikhutso Mooketsi. Her only defeats came against eventual group winner and three-time World Indoor Bowls champion Ali Merrien, and in her final match against World Bowls Championships triples bronze medallist Shauna O'Neill. Tiong held a one-set advantage before narrowly losing in the tiebreak.

But the result is consistent with Tiong's growing ability to compete with the sport's top names, having stunned World Bowls Hall of Famer and former world No. 1 Kelsey Cottrell on the Australian's home turf at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in May.

"It's about focusing on what I can control. There's always one more end to play, and it's about regaining control of the game. That's always the challenge in bowls because whatever your mind is thinking, whether positive or negative, affects the outcome of your bowl."

Tiong receiving guidance from Foo at her Games debut. Photo: Commonwealth Games Singapore/ Lim Weixiang

With coach Bernard Foo in her corner throughout her campaign, Tiong expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support throughout the Games.

“He has been very supportive of me throughout the Games.”

Foo, in turn, was encouraged by Tiong’s performance and believes she has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

"She's done well. There's always room for improvement, but with a little more effort and practice, she'll only get better," he said.

Tan (left) and Cheo (centre) as they take to the mat against Northern Ireland. Photo: Commonwealth Games Singapore/ Lim Weixiang

Singapore's representatives in the women's pairs, Janice Tan and Cheo Ai Lin, also finished with three wins from six matches to place fourth in their seven-team group.

The duo, who came into the Games in fine form after winning bronze in the women's triples with Kelvyna Lee at April's Asian Lawn Bowls Championships and silver at July's Lion City Cup, recorded victories over Zambia, the Isle of Man and Niue.

Their only defeats came against Cottrell's Australia, Merrien's Guernsey and eventual bronze medallists Northern Ireland.

2026 Asian Lawn Bowls Championships double bronze medallist Harriman Yuen delivers a bowl. Photo: Commonwealth Games Singapore/ Lim Weixiang

Meanwhile, Singapore's first-ever men's singles representative at the Games, National Singles (21 Shot Up) champion Harriman Yuen, marked the occasion with two wins from six matches to finish fifth in his seven-team group. He picked up victories over Tonga's Liam Hill and Niue's Frederick Tafatu.

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.