Philippa Busuttil Reaches All-Around Final as Malta Impresses in Glasgow
Team Malta recorded several encouraging performances on the second day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, competing in artistic gymnastics and lawn bowls.
Gymnast Philippa Busuttil secured a place in the Women’s All-Around final, while Shaun Parnis produced one of Malta’s standout results of the day with a straight-sets lawn bowls victory over Canada’s Ryan Bester.
Malta’s Gymnasts Finish Eighth
Malta was represented in the women’s artistic gymnastics competition by Philippa Busuttil, Lyana Curmi Inguanez and Sophie St John.
The trio competed in the team final and individual qualification events, finishing the day with a combined score of 130.750. Malta placed eighth, ahead of India, Namibia, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Busuttil produced the most consistent overall performance for Malta, finishing second in her session with a score of 45.900.
Her strongest routine came on the balance beam, where she recorded the highest beam score in her group following a confident and controlled performance.
She will now return to competition in the Women’s All-Around final on Sunday at 18:00 local time.
Positive Performances from St John and Curmi Inguanez
Sophie St John finished with a score of 44.550 after showing strong quality across her routines.
Her vault was among the most impressive performances of the session, while a notable sequence on the balance beam received a positive reaction. A small number of unsteady floor landings affected her final total.
Lyana Curmi Inguanez scored 40.300 and also reached an important personal milestone.
She successfully performed a vault skill on the international stage for the first time, marking a memorable moment in her competition.
Rixon Sisters Face England
In lawn bowls, Connie and Rebecca Rixon faced England’s Amy Pharaoh and Sian Honnor in the third round of the Women’s Pairs sectional competition.
The Maltese pair lost the match 2–0, with England taking the opening set 3–2 before winning the second 8–2.
Malta led 2–0 midway through a closely contested first set, but England recovered late and edged ahead on the final end.
The second set was more difficult for the Maltese pair. A key moment came on the third end when Malta was holding two shots, before Honnor played a successful drive which moved the jack and gave England a four-shot advantage.
Shaun Parnis Claims Impressive Victory
Shaun Parnis delivered an excellent performance in the afternoon session, defeating Canadian Ryan Bester in straight sets.
Parnis won 8–5 and 7–4 against one of the sport’s most decorated players.
The Maltese bowler controlled the match with accurate draw bowling, calm decision-making and strong tactical awareness.
Bester attempted to change the match with several aggressive drives, but Parnis continued to respond with precision and maintained control to complete an impressive victory.
Malta’s Upcoming Events
Malta’s lawn bowls competitors return to action on Sunday.
Connie and Rebecca Rixon will first face Tonga in the fourth round of the Women’s Pairs Section B competition. They will then play South Africa later in the day.
Shaun Parnis is scheduled to face India’s Putul Sonowal in the afternoon.
Attention will then turn to the gymnastics arena, where Philippa Busuttil will compete in the Women’s All-Around final at 18:00 local time.
