Alex Marshall and Paul Foster have been eliminated from the men’s pairs competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, ending their bid for further gold in the new quickfire bowls format. The pair, reigning world indoor champions, failed to advance to the semifinals after a series of closely contested group matches held this past weekend.

Marshall and Foster secured a victory over South Africa in their final group-stage match on Saturday morning, but a decisive win by Canada against the Norfolk Islands shifted the standings. Canada’s triumph placed them at the top of section C, leaving Marshall and Foster in second place and out of contention for the knockout rounds. Canada also narrowly edged Scotland in an earlier match decided by a tiebreaker.

Reflecting on the outcome, Marshall, 59, acknowledged the unpredictability of the fast-paced five-end format. “Anything can happen in this five-in format. We gave it a good shot. We’ve won four out of five,” he said, describing the Canada match as one that slipped away. The format marked a departure from the traditional bowls competition, affecting the dynamics of play and outcomes.

The elimination dashes hopes of a sixth Commonwealth Games gold for Marshall, who was part of the celebrated Scottish team at Glasgow 2014, where the sport gained widespread attention. Foster, meanwhile, suggested that this would likely be his final appearance at the Commonwealth Games, indicating that he does not plan to continue competitive bowls at this level.

Speaking candidly about his future, Foster expressed that he has no intention of returning to competitive cycling with British Cycling, citing personal differences within the organization. He also described his recent return to represent Scottish Cycling as an honor and suggested that a future Commonwealth Games comeback was unlikely. “Maybe by some absolute miracle we’ll come back to Commonwealth Games in four years,” Foster said, but added, “I really don’t see it because I can’t imagine I’m going to be in any shape to be competitive by then.” He also indicated plans to focus on personal enjoyment outside of high-level sport.

With their Commonwealth Games campaign concluded, the veteran pair were left to reflect on the challenges of adapting to a new format and the close margins that ultimately prevented them from advancing.