Anshul Mishra breaks into top 10 at Asia-Pacific Amateur as Nagasaki surges ahead

India’s Anshul Mishra produced his best performance yet at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, firing a composed 4-under 68 on day three to break into the top 10 heading into the final round at the Majilis Course, Emirates Golf Club.

The 17-year-old from Kolkata, who is making his debut at the championship, showed maturity beyond his years with a smart, controlled round that featured five birdies and just one bogey. Birdies on the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 17th kept him moving up the board as he reached 7-under overall (72-69-68), tied for 10th with Thailand’s rising star Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat.

Among the other Indians, Raghav Gulati (73-70-71) is T-20 at 2-under, while Rakshit Dahiya (72-72-74) sits T-32 at +2 and Ranveer Mitroo (74-71-77) is T-49.

At the top, Japan’s Taisei Nagasaki stole the show with a record-breaking 7-under 65, taking a five-shot lead at 17-under 199, the lowest 54-hole total in tournament history. The 16-year-old, mentored by Japanese legend Tommy Nakajima, is chasing his country’s fourth AAC crown following Hideki Matsuyama (2010, 2011), Takumi Kanaya (2018) and Keita Nakajima (2021).

“I wanted to give myself a good position for the final day and I’m happy I did that,” said Nagasaki, who’s eyeing a dream entry into the Masters and The Open.

As the championship heads into its final day, Mishra’s poised play keeps Indian hopes alive for a historic top finish among Asia’s best amateurs.

Photo – Anshul Mishra/AAC

Story – Anand Krishnaswamy in Dubai