Fifa Laopakdee Holds Two-Shot Lead at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee sits at 7 under par through two rounds at Te Arai Links, maintaining a two-stroke advantage over Cooper Moore.

Fifa Laopakdee carded a 1-over 71 on Friday to reach a 7-under-par total, holding a two-stroke lead at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Tomarata, New Zealand. The Arizona State senior and defending champion followed his opening-round 63 with a morning session at Te Arai Links marked by 35 mph winds. Laopakdee opened his second round with a bogey-bogey-birdie-bogey-bogey sequence and added another bogey on the 10th hole before recovering with birdies at Nos. 12, 13, and 17.

New Zealand’s Cooper Moore sits in second place at 5 under par after shooting a 70. He is followed by fellow Kiwis Ryan Xie, who shot 71 to reach 4 under, and Zack Swanwic, who posted a 67 to finish the day at 3 under. Kaito Sato of Japan occupies fifth place at 2 under par following a round of 72. Only seven players remain under par after 36 holes of play on the seaside layout.

Taishi Moto of Japan recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole to finish the day at 1 under par, tied with China’s Qiyou Wu. The tournament winner earns invitations to the Masters and the British Open. Laopakdee, the first Thai champion in the event's history, previously won the title during a three-hole playoff in Dubai.