November 22, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena shot a bogey-free 68 to make the weekend play in the $5-million PIF Saudi International Thursday in Riyadh and stay in the hunt for a potential LIV Golf stint.

Though he slipped to joint 19th at 135, Tabuena’s quest for one of the two golden tickets to LIV Golf via the International Series Rankings got a boost as his chief rival for the spot, Japanese Yosuke Asaji, failed to make the two-under 140 cut with his 144.

Asaji occupied second in the IS Rankings at the start of the week ahead of third-running Tabuena, 285.3 versus 232.28. Pacesetting Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe (325.59) practically put a lock on the first berth after firing a second straight 67 to enter the third round at joint 12th.

With Asaji out, the task is now on Tabuena to finish strong and wrest the second ticket. Per projection, he needs to place at least sixth in Riyadh to overtake the Japanese at No. 2 in the final rankings.

Meanwhile, American Caleb Surratt held sway at 14-under 128 after a 66, with Thomas Pieters standing a shot back at 129 with a 67. Anthony Kim surged with a sizzling 64 to join Josele Ballester (65) and Tyrrell Hatton (65) at 131.