By Kent Gray
A week after Keita Nakajima won the men’s equivalent at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Mizuki Hashimoto has doubled-down for Japan by capturing the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP).

The 19-year-old denied Thai Natthakritta Vongtaveelap a wire-to-wire win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a closing 68 for a one stroke victory.

A final round 72 left Vongtaveelap in a three-way tie for second with Thai compatriot Kan Bunnabodee (66) and Australia’s Kelsey Bennett (68).

Hashimoto carded four successive rounds of 68 on The National layout to finish on a 16-under-par total of 272. The life-changing win saw her secure invites to two major championships – next year’s AIG Women’s Open and the Amundi Evian Championship – as well as starts in the Hana Financial Group Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“I have always seen these tournaments on the television. To be able to play in them is like a dream come true for me,’ said Hashimoto who is set to soar from her position of 121 in the world amateur rankings.

“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.”

A hole-out eagle on the Abu Dhabi G.C.s 3rd hole sparked Hashimoto’s final round push and continued a memorable year for Japanese golf after Tsubasa Kajitani and Hideki Matsuyama were winners in back-to-back weeks at the  Augusta National Women’s Amateur and The Masters in April.

“The eagle on the third hole was a big surprise for me. I kept fighting hard after that until I made the winning putt. I played really well today.”

After leading for the first 54-holes, Vongtaveelap was understandably frustrated.

“I’m a little disappointed but I did my best. I am so pleased that I was invited to play in this tournament. This has been a new experience and I won’t forget it,” said Vongtaveelap.

“I have learned a lot. I have never played in a championship of this stature before and I have never been this nervous. I will keep improving my mindset and my skills.”

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 -6 six in a tie for 13th.

“I had a blast this week. I’m thankful to be here, thankful to be given the opportunity to play this week,” said the 17-year-old.