Australian golfer Jack Thompson surged into the lead at the 2025 Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, firing a second-round five-under-par 66 to complement his opening 65. The two-day total of 11-under puts Thompson one shot ahead of Koreans Kyungnam Kang and Doyeob Mun at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Thompson, who triumphed at this very event two years ago with a stunning 22-under finish, looks primed for another memorable performance. This time, he navigated the more challenging C and D courses, carding seven birdies and two bogies.

“Just did everything solid, carried it on from yesterday,” Thompson said. “The course is a little bit wider, but you still need to take driver up there. Just playing free and staying happy with the outcomes—it’s working so far.”

Kang and Mun in Hot Pursuit

Veteran Korean golfer Kyungnam Kang, an 11-time winner on the Korean PGA Tour, remains a strong contender. The 41-year-old posted a solid 69, while compatriot Doyeob Mun recorded a 67 on the same C and D layout.

“The profile of the Asian Tour and The International Series is so big now. I felt it was important to try and play in those events as I’m getting older,” said Kang, who last competed in the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2011.

Crowded Leaderboard Features Sandhu, Shah, and Yoshida

India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu, Japan’s Taiki Yoshida, and California’s Manav Shah sit just two shots behind Thompson at nine-under. Sandhu, a former Asian Tour winner, admitted to facing tougher conditions in the second round.

“The CD course is a little tougher, and the flags were tight. I also didn’t make as many putts today,” said Sandhu, who signed for a 71.

Shah, who finished 128th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit this year, is optimistic despite returning to Qualifying School.

“My rookie year on the Asian Tour hasn’t been great. There’s a lot of travel and adjustments, but I love the culture here. Hopefully, I can make it back for next year.”

Other Notable Performances

Australian Will Florimo delivered the round of the day with a sizzling 64, while Japan’s Takumi Murakami (65) and Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman (66) also climbed the leaderboard, sitting just three shots off the lead.

The Road Ahead

The field was cut to the top 140 players and ties at two-over-par, with those advancing set to play two more rounds before a further cut reduces the field to the top 70 for the final round on Saturday.

At the end of the five-round event, the top 35 players will earn their cards for the 2025 Asian Tour, making the competition more intense with every passing round.