The 20-year-old junior from Arizona State University produced a stunning comeback from six shots down going into the final round at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course to defeat 54-hole leader Taisei Nagasaki of Japan with a birdie on the third playoff hole, reports the Bangkok Post.
“It’s unreal. I think I told my [ASU] coach Matt Thurmond I’ll be the first Thai to win this event and be the first Thai amateur to play in the Masters. Coach, I did it! It means the whole world to me,” said a jubilant Fifa as he was drenched by his teammates greenside after his victory.
It was heartbreak hotel for the 16-year-old Nagasaki, making his debut in the Championship, as his overnight advantage quickly disappeared with an outward 3-over 38. After being caught by Fifa on the 15th hole, the young Japanese showed some fight with birdies on 16 and 17 to regain a one-shot lead. However, he agonisingly missed a four-foot birdie chance on the par-5, 18th hole in regulation play to secure victory.
“I’m very disappointed with myself. I really struggled to make a score today. I feel disappointed,” said a tearful Nagasaki through a translator.
Fifa, whose nickname was given by his football-crazed father, had spoken earlier about how Tiger Woods, who is half-Thai and a winner on the Majlis course, has been an idol and inspiration to many young golfers back home, including himself.
Fifa produced a Woods-like comeback on the back nine, shooting a spectacular inward 5-under 32 to tie a faltering Nagasaki and force a playoff. After both players shot matching birdies on the 18th and 17th holes, the talented Thai took advantage of a lucky break with his approach shot into the 18th hole, which stayed on land, and chipped it close for his winning birdie while Nagasaki made par.
“After I finished 18 [in regulation], I didn’t realise I had shot 5-under on the back nine and laughed with my caddie,” said Fifa, who tied the second largest comeback in Championship history to claim victory.
“I stuck to the mindset at the start of the week, stay in the present and have fun out there with my caddie, and enjoy the golf. Shot by shot, hole by hole and I’m proud I did all that on the back nine especially.”
Rintaro Nakano finished solo third after a closing 71.
Since the event’s inauguration in 2009, only players from China, Japan, Korea and Australia have won the Asia-Pacific Amateur, with Fifa changing it all with a comeback for the ages.