Joshua Bai has put himself at the forefront of New Zealand’s bid for a historic first Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title, opening with a five-under 66 at Te Arai Links.
The Aucklander sits outright second after Thursday’s opening round, three shots behind defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand, who produced a brilliant eight-under 63 on the South Course.
New Zealand’s strong start runs much deeper than Bai.
Ryan Xie and Cooper Moore both fired four-under 67s to share third, while Yuki Miya opened with a 69 to sit tied sixth.
That leaves four Kiwis inside the top six heading into Friday.
Bai Leads Strong Home Challenge
Bai made six birdies against a single bogey during his 66, taking advantage of the morning conditions to establish the early clubhouse benchmark.
The 20-year-old made three birdies on his opening nine before adding another three coming home.
He will begin the second round with Laopakdee firmly within sight and the prospect of delivering something New Zealand has never achieved.
No Kiwi has won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
Victory would also carry enormous rewards, with the champion earning invitations to the 2027 Masters at Augusta National and The Open at St Andrews.
Xie and Moore are only another shot behind Bai at four-under, giving the home contingent three of the top four places.
Miya’s 69 further strengthened an impressive opening day for New Zealand.
Laopakdee Produces Championship Statement
The standard at the top, however, was set emphatically by Laopakdee.
The 21-year-old defending champion produced his 63 despite more demanding afternoon conditions, establishing a three-shot lead as he pursues consecutive AAC titles.
His round exploded into life at the par-four ninth, where he holed his approach from 83 yards for eagle.
Birdies followed at the 10th, 13th, 15th and 16th as Laopakdee moved within one shot of the championship’s 18-hole scoring record.
“Eight under wasn’t on my bingo card today,” he said.
A closing par left him with the 63 and a significant early advantage.
All Nine Kiwis Still In The Mix
Robby Turnbull also broke par with a 70 to sit tied 11th, while Samuel Ding opened with an even-par 71.
Zack Swanwick, one of New Zealand’s highest-ranked amateurs entering the championship, signed for a one-over 72.
Zach May followed with 73, while Ishaan Shah completed the Kiwi scoring with a four-over 75.
All nine New Zealand players finished the opening day inside the top 60 positions, with the field to be cut to the leading 60 and ties following Friday’s second round.
New Zealand After Round One
| Player | Position | Score | To Par |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Bai | 2nd | 66 | -5 |
| Ryan Xie | T3 | 67 | -4 |
| Cooper Moore | T3 | 67 | -4 |
| Yuki Miya | T6 | 69 | -2 |
| Robby Turnbull | T11 | 70 | -1 |
| Samuel Ding | T18 | 71 | E |
| Zack Swanwick | T25 | 72 | +1 |
| Zach May | T29 | 73 | +2 |
| Ishaan Shah | T49 | 75 | +4 |
Kiwi Hopes High At Te Arai
There are still 54 holes remaining, but New Zealand could hardly have asked for a more encouraging opening day.
Bai is closest to Laopakdee, while Xie, Moore and Miya have ensured the Kiwi challenge is anything but dependent on one player.
The defending champion has set a formidable target.
Now New Zealand’s leading amateurs have three rounds to chase him down — and potentially create history on home soil.
