Wellington, October 30 (QNA) - Qatar's Daniil Sokolov has qualified for the final stage of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship in New Zealand, becoming one of 53 players to make the cut in the tournament.

The 15-year-old golfer completed the qualifying stage on Friday with a score of 13 over par, securing his place in the remaining rounds of the competition, which began on Thursday and concludes on Sunday.

Sokolov's progression is a notable achievement given his young age and the experience of the elite field competing in the championship.

He will now look to deliver a strong performance and improve his position in the standings as the tournament enters its final stages.

A total of 53 golfers qualified for Saturday's third round, with the cut set at 13 over par.

Thailand's defending champion, 21-year-old Fifa Laopakdee, maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard following Friday's second round, despite challenging weather conditions and strong winds.

Laoprakdee carded a one-over-par 72 to retain an overall score of seven under par after 36 holes.

He holds a two-shot lead over New Zealand's Cooper Moore, who occupies second place.

The winner of the 2026 edition will receive an invitation to compete in the 2027 Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events. (QNA)