Golf: Smail lifts ranking with runner-up finish in Japan

David Smail has climbed to No 84 in the world. Photo / Getty Images

David Smail has further cemented his place as New Zealand's highest ranked golfer with a second on the Japan Tour at the weekend.

Smail climbed to world No 84 in world rankings released yesterday after finishing two shots behind winner Masaya Tomida in the rain-shortened Tsuruya Open on Sunday.

Tomida fired a sizzling seven-under-par 64 to capture his first career title, to overhaul Smail at Yamanohara Golf Club.

The event was shortened to 54 holes after heavy rain saw Saturday's third round cancelled.

Smail, who has won four times on the Japan Tour, was 13 under par, winning nine million yen ($168,666).

A top 20 finish in South Korea at the Ballantine's Championship lifted Mark Brown to No 127, ahead of No 148 Danny Lee, who missed the cut on the PGA Tour on his professional debut last week.

Former US Open winner Michael Campbell at 223, and PGA Tour player Tim Wilkinson No 262.

There was further success for New Zealand today on the second-tier Nationwide Tour in the United States, when Bradley Iles finished tied for sixth in the South Georgia Classic.

- NZPA