AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Seven Chinese golfers, including four debutants, will compete at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), which begins Thursday at Te Arai Links in New Zealand.
The 17th edition of the championship runs from October 29 to November 1 on Te Arai Links' South Course, with 120 players from 39 countries and regions competing in the 72-hole stroke-play event.
The winner will earn invitations to the 2027 Masters Tournament, the 155th Open Championship and the 131st Amateur Championship.
China's seven-player contingent comprises Zhou Ziqin, Wu Qiyou, Li Zhi, Hou Zenghao, Wang Yixiang, Liu Yiming and Cui Jingguo. Li, Wang, Liu and Cui will make their tournament debuts, while Zhou will be competing for the fifth time.
Zhou, 20, is ranked No. 55 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and finished runner-up in 2024, one stroke behind compatriot Ding Wenyi.
"That was really close, just one shot back. But honestly, that was two years ago, and I believe my game has improved this season," Zhou said Wednesday.
"I wasn't playing my best for a period, but I played really well last season, and my game is starting to come back now."
Zhou said he was confident in his preparations but expected putting to play a decisive role on the links-style course.
"I think I did a good job preparing for this week, and I'm really ready. We have beautiful courses, and I feel like it's going to be a putting contest this week," he said.
Li, making his championship debut, said he was eager to test himself against the region's leading amateur golfers.
"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to play in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. Receiving the invitation is a recognition of my ability at this stage," Li said. "I believe I'll learn a lot and benefit from the experience."
Li added that the fairways, undulating greens and coastal winds would present a stern challenge.
"The fairways and greens are very firm, and the greens have considerable slopes. Combined with the wind, these factors will make the course challenging," he said.
Thailand's Fifa Laopakdee returns to defend his title in a tournament that has helped launch the careers of several leading golfers from the region.
Chinese players have won the championship five times, with Guan Tianlang claiming the title in 2012, Jin Cheng in 2015, Lin Yuxin in 2017 and 2019, and Ding Wenyi in 2024.
The championship was established by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, The R&A and the Masters Tournament. ■
