Nairobi: Namibian bowler Waylon Wentzel made an impressive start to his maiden Commonwealth Games campaign on Thursday, defeating Botswana's Diza Mphotho in a closely contested opening singles match in Glasgow, Scotland.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Commonwealth Games got underway on Thursday, with the bowls competition opening the sporting programme at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes from across the Commonwealth will compete for 215 gold medals in 10 sports during the Games, which conclude on 02 August 2026.
Competing at his first Commonwealth Games, Wentzel started strongly and established an early lead in the opening set. Mphotho, however, fought back to level the score, with the set ending 7-7.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with the 29-year-old Namibian again taking control in the early stages. Mphotho reduced the deficit after trailing 6-3, but Wentzel held his nerve to win the set 6-5 and secure the match.
Speaking to Nampa after the victory, Wentzel said the match had been closely contested and expressed satisfaction at beginning his Commonwealth Games debut with a win.
'It was an up-and-down match. In the first set, I had a good lead but unfortunately, I let it slip towards the end and we ended up drawing the set. The second set was just as close, but I managed to pull through. I am very happy. This is my first Commonwealth Games and it is a great opportunity,' he said.
Wentzel said winning the opening match of any tournament provides an important confidence boost as he seeks to make his mark on the competition.
'It is important to win your first match, regardless of the tournament. Starting with a win is amazing and sets a good platform for the rest of the competition. Everyone comes here hoping to win a medal for their country, but if that is not possible, reaching the play-offs or finishing at the top of the section would also be a great achievement,' he said.
Meanwhile, Namibia's women's pairs team of Amanda Steenkamp and Diana Viljoen produced a spirited performance despite losing in straight sets to England.
The English pair included Sian Honnor, who is bidding to win a sixth Commonwealth Games gold medal. Although Steenkamp and Viljoen were unable to secure a set, they remained competitive throughout the match.
Namibia's bowlers return to action on Friday, with Wentzel scheduled to face Australia's Aaron Wilson in the morning before taking on Malta's Jason Greenslade in the afternoon.