Fifa Laopakdee wins back-to-back Asia-Pacific Amateur titles

Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee has secured his second consecutive Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title at Te Arai Links in New Zealand. The 21-year-old finished at 6-under par, recording a final-round 1-under 70 to claim a three-shot victory.

The win was defined by a dramatic shift on the 11th hole, where Laopakdee secured a birdie while New Zealand's Zack Swanwick suffered a triple bogey. This swing allowed Laopakdee to overcome a deficit and pull ahead of the field. By winning the tournament for a second year, Laopakdee becomes the first player since Hideki Matsuyama in 2011 to achieve consecutive victories in this event.

As a result of his performance, Laopakdee has earned invitations to the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and the 2027 Open Championship at St. Andrews. Following his victory, Laopakdee noted a prior promise from Justin Rose to play a practice round together at the Masters should he qualify again.

Australian golfer Kayun Mudadana finished in third place at two under par, following a final-round 67. Swanwick finished in second place after a final-round 75.