Nateesh signs off with career-best AAC finish

Nateesh Ganesh secured the best finish for Malaysia at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, tying for 27th place at Te Arai Links in New Zealand. The 21-year-old Malaysian, among only two Malaysians to survive the halfway cut, posted a final round 73, resulting in a total score of 10-over 294. This performance marked a career-best for Nateesh, who had previously finished tied for 63rd at Royal Melbourne in 2023.

His closing round included four birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey, as he braved challenging windy conditions. His compatriot Danish Rizal finished 58th with a final round 82, totaling 31-over 315. Other Malaysian competitors, Anson Yeo, Hariz Hezri, Aiden Kei, Afham Othman, and Maverick Chua, were eliminated by the second round.

Despite falling short of his expectations, Nateesh expressed satisfaction with his week, stating that the tournament was enjoyable and provided valuable learning experiences. He expressed interest in participating in next year's championship at Hoiana Shores, Vietnam. Meanwhile, Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee successfully defended his title with a final round 70, securing a six-under 278 total and a three-shot victory over overnight leader Zack Swanwick of New Zealand.

Australia's Kayun Mudadana finished third after a final round 67. Fifa's achievement marked only the second consecutive title after Japan's Hideki Matsuyama in 2010-11, earning him invitations to the Masters at Augusta National and The Open at St Andrews.