Defending Champion Leads Asia-Pacific Amateur at Te Arai Links

Strong winds continued to challenge players during the second round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Te Arai Links’ South Course in New Zealand on Friday. Defending champion Fifa Laopakdee maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard, while two local golfers stayed within striking distance to chase the host country’s first title in the tournament.

Defending Champion Holds the Lead

Following an opening round score of eight-under 63, Laopakdee shot a 72 on Friday to reach seven under overall. The 21-year-old Thai golfer and Arizona State senior aims to become only the second player in history to win consecutive Asia-Pacific Amateur titles, following Hideki Matsuyama’s victories in 2010 and 2011.

New Zealand Contenders Make Their Move

Cooper Moore posted a one-under 70 to follow up his opening 67, bringing his total to five under and two shots behind the leader. The 18-year-old from Christchurch finished his second round with a birdie on the 18th hole to claim second place. Moore’s recent amateur achievements include finishing as runner-up at the New Zealand PGA Championship, reaching the U.S. Junior Amateur semifinals, and playing for the International team at the Junior Presidents Cup.

Reflecting on the strong showing by his compatriots, Moore said that they all believe in each other to win the tournament and described having three players in the top four as incredible.

Ryan Xie sits three strokes behind the leader at four under after carding an even-par 71. The Santa Clara freshman recovered from two early bogeys by sinking an eagle on the par-4 third hole and utilizing the green contours at the 14th.

Xie described the wind as insane while expressing satisfaction with his ball-striking performance and overall composure. The Auckland native won the New Zealand Under-19 Championship earlier in the year before starting his collegiate career.

Another local player, Zack Swanwick, bounced back after starting his tournament with four bogeys. The 20-year-old University of Florida junior climbed the leaderboard to secure solo fourth place.

Major Championship Stakes

The winner of the tournament earns exemptions into prestigious major events, providing a significant incentive for the amateur field.

Xie noted that competing in two majors represents an amateur’s ultimate dream. New Zealand’s six-player contingent, which developed through Golf New Zealand’s talent pathway, continues to seek the country’s first tournament victory since the event was established in 2009.