Former world champions Damien Delgado and Jamie Reynolds (AUS) saw off Birmingham 2022 bronze medallist Kieran Rollings and partner Joe Peplow (ENG) in Men's Bowls Para Pairs B6-B8 after a tiebreak. 

In a Women's Singles match next to them in hall three, Australia's Ellen Fife, a double gold medallist at Birmingham 2022, went down in straight sets to Katherine Rednall (ENG), a seven-time world indoor champion.

Delgado, 45 (pictured left), hailed the new, integrated format at Glasgow 2026 whereby Para athletes compete alongside able-bodied counterparts rather than at a later, standalone event.

“It's an honour to be out there with them as well," the Australia lead said. "For us, to be seen in that same light has been great. It shows that anything's achievable.

“Jimmy (Reynolds) and I both play at a high level in mainstream bowls, as well. Not too many sports do that.”

Rednall, a teacher, only arrived in Glasgow on Friday, her school having just broke up for the summer holidays. She echoed Delgado's sentiment after her 13-2, 5-5 triumph over Fife. 

“It's absolutely fantastic (playing alongside Para teammates)," the 30-year-old said. "We have a great rapport as a team, we are one team, everyone has each other's back.

"We've spent a bit of time together before the Games looking after each other. It's been a brilliant event, a brilliant atmosphere, and it's great to have them alongside.”

Little cheerleaders

Scots Women’s Singles contender Sophie McGrouther, is also a teacher. And after her straight sets victory over Elizabeth Moceiwai (FIJ), she said several of her primary pupils had promised to come along to watch her play.

"It'll be nice to have a few little cheerleaders there and that extra bit of support," the 23-year-old said.

Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall (SCO) hailed opponents Chris Kimanga and Anwar Hamada after he and Paul Foster (pictured left, with Marshall) got their Men’s Pairs campaign up and running with a 2-0 win over the Kenyan duo.

“A lot of people think they're smaller (Bowls) nations and not so good," said Marshall. "But we're well aware how good these teams are.

"They've put in a lot of practice over the last few months to prepare to get here. There aren't any easy games in this format.

"We treat everybody the same, whether it's the Australians, the English or whoever. These guys can play bowls, so every single game is a tough game.”

Foster agreed: “There are a vast number of people playing bowls all over the world now."

"Bowls is also included in the Commonwealth Games in India in 2030, which is great for our sport. Long may it continue."