Hashimoto emerges winner at WAAP, Gupta impresses

ABU DHABI: Mizuki Hashimoto of Japan came from three shots back on a thrilling final day to claim a one-shot victory in the third edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-pacific ( WAAP) Championship on Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National course.

Hashimoto carded a fourth consecutive four-under round of 68 to finish on a 16-under-par total of 272, one shot better than Natthakritta Vongtaveelap (72), who had led the tournament from round one, as the Thai slipped back to tied second along with Thai compatriot Kan Bunnabodee (66), and Australia’s Kelsey Bennett (68).

With the victory, 19-year-old Hashimoto also secured Major championship places in next year’s AIG Women’s Open and the Amundi Evian Championship as well as the Hana Financial Group Championship and an invitation to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Hashimoto, no.121 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings, said: “I have always seen these tournaments on the television. To be able to play in them is like a dream-come-true for me. I am unable to say any words right now. I feel so happy to win this championship. I would like to say a big thank you to my teammates and everyone who supported me all week.”

Uae-based Natalii Gupta, a nominated player of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the only local player to make the cut, rounded off an excellent week with a two-under 70 to finish on six under and a tie for 13th.

All in all an excellent four days for the Indian 17-year-old who was born and raised in the UAE. She said: “I had a blast this week. I’m thankful to be here, thankful to be given the opportunity to play this week.”

The WAAP was developed by The R&A and APGC to unearth emerging talent and provide a pathway for Asia’s elite women amateurs to the international stage.

The R&A launched the Women in Golf Charter in 2018 and is committed to increasing the participation of women in the sport. The WAAP is one of several key championships conducted by the governing body and a significant initiative along with the APGC to drive the popularity of women’s golf in the region.

The championship was won in its inaugural year by Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul, who is currently leading the LET’S Race to Costa Del Sol ranking, and by Japan’s Yuka Yasuda in 2019, while Yuka Saso of the Philippines and Thailand’s Patty Tavanakit both became major winners this year after playing the inaugural WAAP in Singapore.

The Women’s Amateur Asia-pacific championship is being supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Hana Financial Group, Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings, Rolex, Samsung and Trust Golf.