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Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Chan's star rises in Morocco with second win signaling his emergence on the global stage
Aidric Chan took another giant step forward in his rising career with a composed, seven-under-par final round of 65 to win the $125,000 Morocco Rising Stars at Samanah Golf Club, Marrakech, on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). The victory not only pushed him to the top of the ADT Order of Merit but also earned him a coveted place in next month's $2 million International Series – Morocco on the Asian Tour. 'I'm really excited for what comes ahead,' said the 21-year-old from Manila after sealing the one-shot win. 'I don't know what the future holds, but I will stay focused on my goals.' Starting the day two shots behind overnight leader Luca Cianchetti, Chan wasted little time making his move at Samanah Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Marrakech. With his wedges dialled in and his confidence high, Chan surged to an 18-under-par total, edging out India's Karandeep Kochhar, who also fired a 65, in a thrilling final-day shootout. The Morocco Rising Stars marked the sixth stop on the 2025 Asian Development Tour, which will wrap up in November with the $250,000 ARAMCO Invitational at Rolling Hills Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. With just five events remaining, Chan's Rise Dominates Season Chan's second victory of the season, following his breakthrough at the Lexus Challenge in March, has positioned him as a strong contender to secure one of the ten coveted Asian Tour cards on offer. His triumph in Marrakech also earned him one of only two spots available for next month's $2 million International Series – Morocco, thanks to his earnings across the two ADT events held in the country. It was a well-timed surge from Chan, who now leads the Order of Merit with season winnings of $38,352.17, leapfrogging Thailand's Tawit Polthai in the standings. The final day at Samanah Golf Club saw low scoring from several contenders, but none could match Chan's consistency. England's Finlay Mason joined the party with a sizzling 65 of his own to secure solo third at 16-under. He was followed closely by Thailand's Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij (68) and England's Sam Broadhurst (69), both tied for fourth. Home favourite Ayoub Lguirati was on course for a top-10 finish until a bogey on the 18th dropped him to a share of 13th. Still, at 11-under par, he was the leading Moroccan in the field and showed strong signs of promise on a world-class stage. 'You know, I couldn't be any more grateful for being in this position,' said Chan. 'I started the day with a birdie. My wedges instantly clicked in for me. I did bogey the second hole, but today, I felt that every time I was holding a wedge, I was getting it to the flag and then making a putt. That felt really good.' On what the future might hold, the 2019 winner of the Junior World Championships at Torrey Pines North in San Diego added: 'I'm feeling a big relief. The weight is off my back. Players like me, really aim to play on a higher stage every time. So, I'm really happy that I was able to close this out and save myself a trip to the Q-School. The ADT remains in Morocco this week, moving just 20 kilometres north to Al Maaden Golf Resorts in Marrakech for a second back-to-back event. Each tournament features a 132-player field, including 70 from the ADT, 40 nominated by the Arab Golf Federation, and a selection of invited players. UAE Amateurs Boost Golf Among the participants were UAE amateurs Ahmed Skaik, Sam Mullane, and Jay Mullane, all of whom will tee it up again this week. The UAE presence further underlines the increasing regional influence in developmental golf. Morocco's growing stature in the game is no accident. Through partnerships with the Clutch Pro Tour and its continued hosting of high-profile events - like the Hassan II Golf Trophy on the PGA Champions Tour and the Lalla Meryem Cup on the Ladies European Tour - the country is positioning itself as a driving force in the MENA region. 'This is a signature moment and the result of collaborative efforts with key partners; the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Arab Golf Federation,' said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour. 'We share their vision of building the profile of the game in the region to help nurture the next generation of professional golfers.' A. Chan (Philippines) 64. 72. 69. 65. 270. K. Kochhar (Ind) 70. 67. 69. 65. 271. F. Mason (Eng) 66. 72. 69. 65. 272.
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Morocco Rising Stars to shine spotlight on future talent of Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) is set to debut in Morocco in 2025 with two back-to-back events in Marrakech, marking a significant milestone for golf in the Kingdom. Under the effective presidency of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (RMGF) has entered into a new three-year partnership with the ADT, the satellite tour of the Asian Tour. The agreement will bring two professional tournaments to the country each year. The events, co-sanctioned by the Arab Golf Federation and collectively called 'Morocco Rising Stars -Marrakech', will be held from Thursday, June 19-22 at Samanah Golf Club and from June 26-29 at Al Maaden Golf Resort in 2025. On this occasion, Mustapha Zine, Vice President of the RMGF, stated: 'Hosting the Asian Development Tour for the first time marks a new milestone for professional golf in Morocco. Through the Morocco Rising Stars - Marrakech, we are not only offering an international competition platform but also a real opportunity for growth for our talents. 'Moreover, the inclusion of two of our courses in the tour calendar illustrates the recognition of the quality of our infrastructure and golfing ecosystem.' he added: 'This new initiative is fully aligned with the high Ddirectives of our President, who aims to make Morocco a true global golf hub, capable of hosting major professional tournaments while supporting the rise of a new generation of Moroccan golfers.' These events will give up-and-coming Moroccan players a unique opportunity to test their skills against international competition and to progress toward the highest levels of the sport. The tournaments will also serve as a stepping stone to the International Series Morocco, slated for Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from July 3-6, 2025. Cho Minn Thant, CEO of the Asian Tour, said: 'In recent years, the Asian Tour has made regular visits to Morocco, and the time has come for the Asian Development Tour to make its first appearance. 'This is a landmark moment, the result of collaboration with key partners such as the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, and the Arab Golf Federation. We share their vision of strengthening golf in the region to help shape the next generation of professional golfers.' 'We would also like to thank Samanah Golf Club and Al Maaden Golf Resort, two wonderful new venues our members will enjoy in one of the world's most inspiring cities. The Morocco Rising Stars -Marrakech events mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Asian Development Tour, one that will open the door to incredible new opportunities.' With players expected from over 25 nations across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Oceania, these two summer events promise to be highlighted on the golf calendar - further strengthening Morocco's reputation as a world-renowned destination for golf, while boosting the local economy, tourism, and sporting life.
