A string of fine performances at the Asian Junior Golf Team Championship has helped Thailand qualify for the Junior Golf World Cup in Japan next year.
The Thai team.
The Thai quartet of Tanakorn Torsee, Witchayanon Chorhirunrungrueng, Sousuke Hamamoto and Ekkarat Leksuwan yesterday finished third at the Asian Junior Golf Team Championship, which also served as the qualifying event for next year's World Cup, in South Korea.
With three best scores for each round being counted at the Gun San Country Club, Thailand finished with a total of 676 at the three-day event, while Japan (660) and South Korea (664) were the champions and runners-up.
The top two teams from Asian event were to be awarded places at the Junior Golf World Cup, but with Japan already through as the hosts, the spot was awarded to the third-placed Thailand team.
In the girls' event, Thailand, who shared the first place with Japan after two rounds, slumped to fourth on 456 and failed to secure their place at the Junior World Cup. Hosts South Korea came in first on 445, followed by Japan (452) and Taiwan (454).
Thai team manager Kanes Nitiwanakul said the players had produced an impressive result despite their lack of international experience and felt they would be stronger next year when they take part in the world meet.
However, he felt sorry for the girls who "did their best, but unfortunately failed on the final day because the lack of experience".