sports📡 ESPNcricinfoJul 23, 2026👁 0 views

Kelly wins opening game in bowls

Kelly wins opening game in bowls

    Northern Ireland’s Gary Kelly in action at Glasgow Commonwealth Games [Getty Images]
    Nigel Ringland - BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist in GlasgowThu, July 23, 2026 at 10:29 AM UTC·1 min read

    Gary Kelly got off to a winning start in the men's singles.

    The silver medallist from four years ago dominated the game against Fred Tafatu from Niue Island, winning by two sets to 0 (13-1, 8-3).

    While the 36 year-old from Ballymoney ran away with the first set, the second was nip and tuck before Kelly sealed the win with a full house of four shots in the seventh and final end.

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    With only the group winner reaching the semi-finals, Kelly's next game against New Zealand's Shannon McIlroy on Friday morning will be crucial.

    McIlroy recorded a big win over Tonga's Liam Hill.