Hua Hin: Thailand’s Kittiroj Chantharothai continued his grip atop the leaderboard when he posted a three-under-par 69 to take the second round lead at the Asian Tour Qualifying School First Stage Section A on Thursday.

Kittiroj, who held the opening round lead at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club, posted a two-day total of 10-under-par 134 to take a three-shot lead over compatriot Supravee Phatam who carded rounds of 69 and 68.

At the Royal Thai Army Sports Centre, Korea’s Jeong Dae-eok also maintained his position at the top when he signed for a 66. Japan’s Tomoharu Otsuki is a single shot back in second place after he matched his opening round score of 68.

Over at the Banyan Golf Club, Japan’s Hirohito Koizumi, who opened with a 73, made up grounds by firing a 66 to take over the lead which had been held by Sweden’s Thomas Pettersson.

Pettersson slipped to second place when he returned with a 73.

Due to the record number of entries which hit an all-time high of 761 players, the First Stage Section B will be played next week at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club to accommodate the additional players.

After four rounds, the top 15% players from each venue will qualify for the all-important Final Stage which will be held at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club from January 23 to 26.

The top-40 and ties from the Final Stage will earn their playing rights on the new 2013 Asian Tour season.