History is within reach! Two New Zealand golfers threaten defending champion's title at home
New Zealand could be on the verge of a historic breakthrough in golf! Cooper Moore and Ryan Xie have emerged as serious contenders at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, putting themselves within striking distance of defending champion Fifa Laopakdee after two challenging rounds.
Details: The tournament is being held at Te Arai Links in New Zealand, where difficult winds have tested the field. Thailand's Laopakdee leads at seven under par after rounds of 63 and 72. Moore sits second at five under, just two strokes behind, while Xie occupies third place at four under.
Moore continued his impressive campaign with a one-under 70 on Friday, finishing his round with a crucial birdie at the 18th hole. The 18-year-old previously reached the semifinals of the U.S. Junior Amateur and is now chasing the biggest victory of his young career.
Xie also remains firmly in contention. After two early bogeys, the Auckland golfer recovered with an eagle at the par-four third hole and completed his second round in 71 strokes. Fellow New Zealander Zack Swanwick sits fourth at three under, giving the hosts three players among the top four.
No New Zealander has ever won the Asia-Pacific Amateur since its introduction in 2009. Meanwhile, Laopakdee is attempting to become only the second golfer to defend the title successfully. The stakes are enormous, with the champion earning invitations to the 2027 Masters and The Open at St Andrews.
Reminder: Only the fourth in history. Rory McIlroy rewrites golf history with another remarkable Masters triumph.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
