After four days of intense competition, 73 players have earned their spots in the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with only 35 Tour Cards for 2025 up for grabs.

Leading the charge is Japan’s Takumi Murakami, who delivered a stunning six-under-par 65 in the penultimate round to reach 19-under, two shots clear of Korea’s Kyungnam Kang.

Murakami, a 25-year-old with experience on Japan’s main and challenge tours, showcased his resilience today. Despite a challenging start—making the turn at one-over-par—he electrified the back nine with an eagle and five birdies, four of them consecutive, for a blistering 28.

“Well, my putting was really good,” Murakami said. “The first half didn’t flow very well, but the second half was amazing. On the first hole of the back nine, I got a birdie, and the flow of my putting kept getting better and better, and in the end, I got a big score.”

This marks a major comeback for Murakami, who failed to secure a Tour Card in his first attempt at Qualifying School in 2020. Now, he’s determined to prove himself on an international stage.

“I’ve always wanted to try overseas tours,” he added. “I think it would be a great learning experience.”

Hot on his heels is Korean veteran Kyungnam Kang, who carded a one-under 70. Kang, a player with 11 wins in Korea, aims to capitalize on his familiarity with the AB course in the final round.

“Today my putting wasn’t very good,” Kang admitted. “But the AB course suits my game better. I want to finish more than 20 under and try to win.”

The leaderboard remains competitive, with Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and Taiki Yoshida, along with Korea’s Doyeob Mun, tied for third at 15-under. Australian Jack Thompson, a past winner at this venue, and compatriot Lawry Flynn are close behind at 14-under.

The cut was made at four-under, with Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan securing his spot after a clutch birdie on the last hole. Meanwhile, Spain’s Alejandro Canizares narrowly missed out, bogeying the final hole to finish one stroke short.

As the final round approaches, all eyes are on Murakami and Kang, but the battle for those 35 coveted Tour Cards ensures every stroke will matter.