Nateesh hopes to return stronger after navigating wind in New Zealand

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Nateesh Ganesh signed off with a closing two-over 73 and a tied 27th finish for his career best result at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship as Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee successfully retained his title to earn coveted starts in the Masters and The Open.

The 21-year-old Nateesh, making a return to the championship after finishing 63rd in Royal Melbourne three years ago, concluded his week on 10-over 284 at Te Arai Links yesterday.

Countryman Danish Rizal finished solo 58th after a final round 82.

Fifa reclaimed the title after a dominant display, shooting a final round 70 for a three-shot victory as he became only the second player after Hideki Matsuyama (2010 and 2011) to win back-to-back titles.

Nateesh is hoping to return stronger at the next edition at Hoiana Shores in Vietnam next year.

“It was a lot of learning. I see everything in a positive way, even though it was pretty windy,” said the Loyola Marymount University student, whose final round of two-over featured four birdies, four bogeys and one double bogey.

“It was about finding solutions, adapting and moving on.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to play again next year. Only four guys were under par this week. Just need to stay patient ... that’s going to help a lot in the future,” said Nateesh, who had won on the US collegiate circuit this year.

The 21-year-old Fifa broke down in tears during the trophy presentation.

“It’s been a tough year for me. I didn’t play great at all this year, and this is like one of the last events and I wanted to prove to myself that I still got it and I’m still capable to win this event again.

“To pull it off, it means the whole world to me,” said Fifa.

 

FINAL RESULTS

278: Fifa Laopakdee (Tha) 63-72-73-70;

281: Jack Swanwick (Nzl) 72-67-67-75;

282: Kayun Mudadana (Aus) 69-75-71-67;

283: Cooper Moore (Nzl) 67-70-71-75;

284: Ryan Xie (Nzl) 67-71-80-66;

Selected

294: Nateesh Ganesh (Mas) 69-76-76-73;

315: Danish Rizal (Mas) 75-79-79-82.