Golf Glory: Asia-Pacific Amateur Kicks Off with Intense Competition

Rakshit Dahiya led India with a 72 at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship, tying for 20th. His performance included three early birdies, but a series of bogeys on the back nine tempered his initial progress. Thai player Fifa Laopakdee shared the lead with a six-under 66.

Rakshit Dahiya sparked hope for India's strong start at the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship, finishing the day with an even par 72 to tie for 20th place. As the only Indian player with previous AAC experience, Dahiya initially climbed into the top 10 with three birdies between the second and fifth holes, adding another one on the 10th.

However, four bogeys in five holes on the back nine set him back, although he managed to conclude the day with a birdie on the 18th. Anshul Mishra also shot 72, recovering from a 2-over start with two birdies on the back nine. Raghav Gulati ended at 1-over 73, placing him at 31st.

Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand emerged as the early leader alongside Australia's Billy Dowling and Vietnam's Khanh Hung Le, each carding a six-under 66. The competition continues on the Majlis Course, a venue of historic significance in the region, with a cut to be made after the second round.

(With inputs from agencies.)