Italy’s Gabriele De Barba scored his first professional win in dramatic fashion today, clinching victory in a four hole play-off with Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei after the pair were tied on 14 under par after three rounds.

“I was confident during the play-off, but I didn’t quite seize the opportunity the way I wanted to, so I’m incredibly grateful to come away with the win,” said De Barba after a birdie sealed the deal.

“This is my first professional victory, and it means a lot,” he added. “I haven’t even told my family yet, but I’m so thankful to them and to my sponsors for supporting me through all the ups and downs.”

Finishing three groups ahead of the leaders, De Barba (65) scored the low round of the day, posting nine birdies to offset a double bogey on the par four sixth hole which was the only flaw on his card at the Hsin Feng Country Club.

Chan, who posted a five under par 67 for a bogey-free round, finished strongly with two birdies in his closing holes but was unable to secure the advantage he needed over the clubhouse leader in the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour event.

After scoring formalities were completed, the pair headed back to the 18th tee to begin their battle for victory. The first play-off hole was parred, followed by a birdie each, and for a third time down the 18th for par before heading to the 10th.

Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei pictured in action during the final round of the Ambassador ADT tournament at Hsin Feng Country Club on May 31, 2025. The US$100,000 event is being played from May 28-31, 2025.

On 10, Chan found the bunker on approach and was unable to get up and down, while De Barba holed his birdie putt to put the result beyond doubt and to lift his hopes for the future.

“I turned pro in 2018 and spent several years playing in Japan without much success,” he said after the win, “so qualifying through Q-School in Taiwan and now winning here really gives me hope and new opportunities – especially with the chance to compete on the ADT.

“I first played this course during my debut in Taiwan, and it was very windy then. The conditions this week were much better, which definitely helped. It also reminds me of my home course, Naruo Golf Club in Japan – it’s similarly narrow, so I felt quite comfortable out there. I’m just really happy to finally break through,” he added.

In third place, Huang Yi-tseng (67) of Chinese Taipei eagled the last hole to best compatriots Liu Yen-hung (71) by one shot, followed by Ho Yu-cheng (69) and Chang Wei-lun (70) another shot further back in fifth.

In seventh place, Shotaro Ban (67) of the USA shared the spot with India’s Khalin Joshi (69) and the Thai trio of Amarin Kraivixien (69), Weerawish Narkprachar (69) and Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (70).

Lu Sun-yi (67) of Chinese Taipei, the USA’s Grant Godfrey (66) and Thailand’s Ekpharit Wu (68) and Sarut Vongchaisit (69) finished in 12th place, and rounded out the top 15.

After having the last two events reduced to 54 holes due to rain, the ADT now heads to hopefully sunnier climes with back to back events in the Morocco Rising Stars Marrakech series. The first of the two US$125,000 tournaments takes place at Samanah Golf Club from June 19-22, followed by Al Maaden Golf Resorts from June 26-29.

Main picture: Gabriele De Barba of Italy pictured with the winner’s trophy after his victory in the Ambassador ADT tournament at Hsin Feng Country Club on May 31, 2025. The US$100,000 event is being played from May 28-31, 2025.