Golf: Smail drops to fifth in Japan

David Smail tees off. Photo / Christine Cornege.

Former New Zealand No 1 David Smail dropped back to fifth place at the halfway stage of the Nagashima Shigeo Invitational Sega Sammy Cup on the Japan Golf Tour.

The 41-year-old pro, who has won five times on the tour throughout his career, shot an even par 72 to be four shots back from leader Kyung-Tae Kim on nine under par.

Smail made the turn in one under and then came home in one over for an even par round at North Country Golf Club.

The New Zealand Open Champion of 2001 is in contention for his best finish this year in Japan, having previously placed in ties for 18th and 21st in the middle of the season.

Compatriot Richard Lee shot rounds of 74 and 80 to miss the cut on a 10 over par total.

Meanwhile in Ohio, Danny Lee was the big improver at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational.

The former World No 1 amateur climbed from a share of 80th place to 44th with a three under par 69 for a one under par total on day two.

Also on that score is one of the big improvers on the tour, Tauranga professional Josh Geary (71, 70).

Tim Wilkinson (71, 71) snuck inside the cut line by one shot, while Brad Iles -- currently 90th on the Order of Merit -- and Steven Alker (72, 72) both missed by one and two shots respectively.

In Europe, it was a similar story for Michael Campbell (75, 71) who missed the cut at the Nordea Masters by one shot.

Mark Brown missed by two shots after a three over par round of 75.

- NZPA