Making his Games debut, Scotland’s 2025 World Indoor Bowls champion thrilled the home crowd by beating Jamaica’s Robert Simpson 2-0 in the tournament’s new quick-fire form at The SEC Centre.

“I was nervous (this morning) with it being my first Commonwealth Games and the first match here,” Banks said. “I’m just glad to get off to a winning start for Scotland. It does help having the crowd on your side, it’s nice to have that wee bit of help."

Australia’s Aaron Wilson continued his remarkable record of never having lost a Men’s Singles match at the Commonwealth Games by defeating Guernsey’s Jason Greenslade, who had previously represented Wales.

Affectionately known as 'Disco', Wilson won back-to-back gold medals at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 and is aiming for three in a row, something only achieved by David Bryant in Games history. 

“The first game's the most nerve-wracking one, so to get that under the belt and to have a win certainly boosts confidence,” Wilson said. “It’s like a healthy nerves, I don't think you're human without that. To have those butterflies just means you're ready to play.”

The biggest shock on the opening day of Men’s Singles action came when Canada’s baton bearer Ryan Bester, appearing at his seventh Games, lost to Indian kickboxer-turned bowler Putul Sonowal.

Birthday cheers for Kiwi star

The Women’s Pairs also began, with Australian duo Dawn Hayman and Kelsey Cottrell beating Zambia’s Getrude Siame and Foster Banda. Elsewhere, England’s Sian Honnor and Amy Pharaoh edging a closely fought contest against Namibia’s Amanda Steenkamp and Diana Viljoen.

It proved to be a happy birthday for New Zealand's Selina Goddard, who celebrated turning 32 with a nail-biting tiebreak victory over Kenya’s Nancy Cheruiyot and Eunice Wambui Mbugua. Goddard’s teammate Katelyn Inch put in a stellar performance to secure the win.

“My skipper gave me the greatest birthday gift of all by drawing so many shots to the jack,” Goddard said. “Birthday aside, it's incredible to be out there any day of the year with Katelyn.”

The Kiwi pair picked up bronze medals in the Women’s Pairs at Birmingham 2022 and were given a stiff test by the Kenyan duo in their 2026 opener.

“There are always opportunities to improve, and I've got a lot of improving to do from my own standards, but it was nice to be able to do what we had to do,” Inch said.

“Kenya were very strong out there but I'm just stoked that we were able to respond in the right moments and get the momentum swing we needed.”

For the full schedule and results click here.