Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee Wins Asia-Pacific Amateur in Playoff, Earning Masters and Open Berths

The Arizona State junior became the event’s first Thai champion after charging from six shots back.

Overview

  • Laopakdee closed with a 4-under 68 to finish at 15-under 273, then defeated 16-year-old Taisei Nagasaki on the third extra hole.
  • He surged with a 5-under back nine and strung together five straight birdies dating to the 17th in regulation, highlighted by a gutsy 6-iron over water at the 18th.
  • Nagasaki, who led by five entering the final round, shot 74 and missed a 4-foot birdie at the last in regulation that would have won it.
  • The playoff featured matching birdies on the 18th and 17th before Laopakdee prevailed on the 18th as Nagasaki missed left and could only make par.
  • Rintaro Nakano closed with 71 to finish third for a second straight year at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course in Dubai.