KUALA LUMPUR: Anson Yeo and Zubair Firdaus capped a strong week at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) with career-best finishes as both now turn their attention to the Sea Games later this year.
Anson, 19, produced a polished final-round two-under 70 on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates to complete the event on two-under 286, securing a tie for 21st (T21) – his best result in four appearances at the region’s premier amateur tournament.
His previous best was a T29 finish in 2022.
“Pretty happy as I managed to fight back after shooting fove-over on the first day,” said Anson.
“Fighting back from that start, it’s the happiest thing for me and meeting my goal of being under par is a confidence booster. I’ve got a lot of things to work on, will head back home and keep working at getting better.”
Compatriot Zubair, 23, also closed with a 70, despite a final-hole bogey, to end his fourth consecutive AAC campaign in T27 with a 289 total, improving on his previous best of T32 two years ago.
“I think I learned I can compete out here,” said Zubair.
“I had a lot of chances in the final round to score, but I couldn’t put it together as a whole this week. It creates a lot of good momentum, and I will play my best for Malaysia in the Sea Games.”
The San Jose State University graduate, who lifted the Bahrain Amateur Open earlier this month, plans to turn professional after the Sea Games in Thailand but not before mounting one last push for gold with his teammates.
“The SEA Games will be my last amateur event. I will then play in the Asian Tour Qualifying School and make my professional debut on the DP World Tour in Bahrain,” said Zubair
Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee created a slice of history by becoming the first Thai golfer to win the AAC, sealing a dramatic play-off victory over Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki.
The 20-year-old overturned a six-shot deficit with a stunning back-nine surge, carding five-under 32 before clinching victory with a birdie on the third extra hole, earning him coveted spots at next year’s Masters Tournament and The Open.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
