Firdaus rallies to claim Bahrain Amateur Open title

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Malaysian finishes two clear as Sokolov fades on final day

Malaysia’s Zubair Firdaus produced a composed final round to win the seventh Bahrain Amateur Open yesterday at the Royal Golf Club, overturning a five-shot deficit to finish two strokes clear of overnight leader Daniil Sokolov of Qatar.

Firdaus closed with an even-par 71 to complete the three-day championship on seven-under-par 209, while Sokolov struggled to a 76, slipping to second on 211. The 14-year-old Sokolov, who began the day one ahead of Sweden’s Adrian Larsson, looked in control early but ran into trouble on the back nine, carding multiple bogeys as Firdaus held steady under pressure.

Podium Shuffle

Qatar’s Salehaleh Al Kaabi matched his previous day’s 72 to claim solo third at -4 (212), one shot ahead of a three-way tie for fourth between the UAE’s Jonathan Selvaraj, England’s Oscar Craig, and Sweden’s Larsson, all finishing on -2 (214).

Bahraini Spotlight

The top Bahraini finisher was Khalifa Alkaabi, who posted a consistent 74 for the second day running to end on 219 (+3), finishing 10th overall among more than 90 competitors.

Bigger things ahead

Firdaus’ victory earns him World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and a coveted spot in next year’s Bahrain Championship on the 2026 DP World Tour, scheduled for January 29 to February 1. The Bahrain Amateur Open also served as a qualifier for the 17th King Hamad Trophy, from November 27 to 29 at the same venue. The top 10 finishers and ties, excluding Bahrain national team players, secured their place in that event.

This year’s championship further provided an important opportunity for Bahrain’s youth golfers to impress selectors ahead of the Asian Youth Games, which the Kingdom will host later this month.