UAE golfer Rayan Ahmed faced challenging weather conditions, persevering through rain-soaked rounds to secure his spot at the 15th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) held at the picturesque Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Japan.
After starting with a 74 in the first round, the 17-year-old Ahmed showcased his resilience by shooting a two-over-par 72 in the second round. This performance brought his total score to six over 146, allowing him to advance to the next stage of the tournament as the cut was set at 148, with 63 players progressing.
"It seems I will need to play 30 holes on Sunday—a first for me," Rayan shared with Khaleej Times. "I haven't played much in the rain before, so it's been a week full of new experiences. I've never seen so much rain in my life, but I'm glad to have made the cut. I just hope for better weather."
Reflecting on the day, Ahmed noted, "It was another early start with a 4 am alarm. After finishing my final three holes, I returned to the hotel and came back to the course for my third-round tee time. I'm excited about what's ahead tomorrow—I feel comfortable playing among these competitors and will give it my all."
Leading the field after two rounds was Japanese player Rintaro Nakano at seven under par, one stroke ahead of first-round leader Randy Bintang (Indonesia) and Wenyi Ding (China), the highest-ranked player in the Men's World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) at number four.
The third round commenced at 2 pm, with the leaders playing only four holes. The completion of the third and final rounds will take place on Sunday, with play starting at 6.30 am.
Ahmed is the third UAE player to make the cut in the AAC, following Rayhan Thomas (Dubai) in 2018, who finished as runner-up, and Ahmad Skaik (UAE) in 2021 when the event was hosted at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Representatives from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are competing in this week's tournament. The AAC, first played in 2009, is the premier amateur golf event in the Asia region, supported by the APGC, Augusta National, and The R&A. For more information and to watch live, visit: www.aacgolf.com
Leading Scores After 36 Holes (7,217 Yards, Par 70): Nakano (Japan) 66, 67, 133; Ding (China) 67, 67, 134; Bintang (Indonesia) 65, 69, 134.
Leading Middle East Regional Players to Make the Cut: Attieh (Saudi Arabia) 70, 74, 144; Alkaabi (Qatar) 73, 71, 144; Alsakha (Saudi Arabia) 71, 74, 145; Ahmed (UAE) 74, 72, 146; Shana’ah (Jordan) 76, 71, 147.
