In a breathtaking finale at the Emirates Golf Club, Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. The 20-year-old golfer overcame a six-shot deficit to force a playoff against Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki, ultimately securing victory on the third extra hole. Laopakdee’s composed final-round 68, including six birdies, brought his 72-hole total to 15-under-par 273, matching Nagasaki’s score. The sudden-death playoff saw Laopakdee card three consecutive birdies on holes 17, 18, and 17 again, while Nagasaki narrowly missed a crucial birdie putt. Laopakdee’s triumph not only marks a personal milestone but also makes him the first Thai player to qualify for the 2026 Masters at Augusta National. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik achieved a historic 13th-place finish, the best-ever by a UAE national in the championship, despite a costly double bogey on the final hole. The event also celebrated the participation of three UAE players who made the cut, signaling a proud moment for Emirati golf. The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, showcased the growing talent and competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Laopakdee’s victory underscores the power of resilience and determination, while Skaik’s performance highlights the progress of UAE golf on the international stage.
Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee seizes Asia-Pacific Amateur crown with stunning comeback
