At Asian Tour Qualifying School After Round Four
After a tense four days of competition at the Asian Tour Qualifying School, 73 players have advanced to the final round at Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, all vying for one of the coveted 35 Tour Cards for the 2025 season.
Leading the pack is Japan’s Takumi Murakami, who surged ahead with a stellar six-under-par 65, bringing him to a total of 19-under. Murakami managed to overtake Korea’s Kyungnam Kang, who began the day leading by three strokes but finished with a 70, putting him two strokes behind Murakami.
Other notable performances came from Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and Taiki Yoshida, along with Korea’s Doyeob Mun, all of whom are tied in third place, four strokes behind the leader. Each carded impressive rounds, with Asaji and Mun both shooting a 67, and Yoshida a 69.
Australian players Jack Thompson, the winner at this venue two years ago, and Lawry Flynn are also in contention. Thompson posted a 69, and Flynn a 68, placing them just a stroke further back. All competitors transitioned from the C and D nines to play the A and B nines in tomorrow’s final round, which could change the dynamics of the competition.
25-year-old Murakami, who has spent the last few seasons on Japan’s main and challenge tours, reflected on his remarkable recovery today after a challenging start. He finished the first half over par but rallied spectacularly with an eagle and five birdies on the back nine, four in consecutive holes. His phenomenal performance on the back nine began with a birdie on the first hole, setting the stage for his impressive scoring spree.
Despite failing to secure a card at his previous attempt in 2020, Murakami expressed his fascination with international tours and his eagerness to learn from the experience.
Kyungnam Kang, despite not performing at his best today, remains a strong contender for tomorrow. With 11 wins in Korea, his experience is invaluable, and he aims to adjust his strategy for the AB course, which he believes suits his game better.
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The cut was made at four under, with Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan making a clutch birdie on the last hole to shoot a 67 and secure his place in the final round. Unfortunately, Spain’s Alejandro Canizares, son of Ryder Cup star Jose-Maria Canizares, missed the cut by one stroke after a costly bogey on his final hole.
The final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament as players battle it out for their spot on the 2025 Asian Tour.
