One of New Zealands most successful golfers David Smail has wound back the clock to share the lead at the Harewood Open with a round of six-under, 66 on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.
He joins rookie-professional James Anstiss on five-under par for the championship to hold a one-shot lead over Reid Hilton, who was the round one co-leader.
Smail, the 2001 New Zealand Open champion carded seven birdies and just one bogey on his way to the lowest score of the week as he looks to win his first Jennian Homes Charles Tour event.
"I really enjoyed it and it brings back some old memories of days gone by," said the five-time Japan Tour winner.
"I dont know what it will take to win from here, probably another one of those rounds, but Im just happy to be here and be playing. I havent been playing much recently so hopefully I can keep it going."
The 48-year-old had a bounce in his step as he looks to cruise into form before attempting to make a run at the seniors tour.
"I need one more year in between [next year at age 49] before I can qualify for the seniors tour so I will try go to Japan Tour School again and attempt one more year and glide into the seniors tour," he said with a wye smile.
Smail held the lead on his own before Anstiss made a clutch eagle three late in the day on 16. He monstered an eight-iron high into the overcast sky to eight-feet and rolled in a crucial putt.
Anstiss who was born in Christchurch but has spent most of his golfing life in Queenstown is starting to become a regular feature at the top after nearly claiming a maiden professional victory at the Muriwai Open earlier this year, only to fall short in a playoff against Gareth Paddison.
"I really feel like I have put myself into contention this year a few times and Muriwai was definitely a close call, so it would be nice to get over the line this week when in a good position," said Anstiss.
This will be a great chance to learn from Smail as they both look to extend their lead on moving day.
"Its going to be great playing in the final group with him and he has been in this position many more times than me, so it will be nice to see how he goes about his business tomorrow."
Hilton will be joining the pair in the final group after trailing by just one shot, but there is a dangerous contingent a further shot back with Mark Brown, Ryan Chisnall, Pieter Zwart and Mako Thompson lurking.
Wanganuis Tara Raj turned it on to take full control in the womens field to lead by a mammoth eight shots after a superb round of four-under 68 which included an eagle two this morning.
Starting on the back nine, she was making steady progress while others were fading in the challenging Christchurch conditions, making the turn at even-par.
From there she lit the morning up with her hole-out eagle on the par four second from 50 metres out. Raj then followed this up with a birdie on the next hole to be in full flight and extend her lead at the Harewood Golf Club.
"I was feeling confident entering the back nine, but I didnt see this coming," smiled the 15-year-old.
Raj hasnt been in this position before and will have to remain calm throughout the weekend.
"It feels weird, but its exciting. I was chipping well all day with another chip in birdie in my round to go with the eagle, but its nice to see my winter practise paying off."
Caryn Khoo, Miree Jung and Yoonjeong Huh are the next best in second place but can barely see Raj in the distance. The trio will need to make the most of moving day tomorrow if they are to catch the first-time leader.
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ
Smail winds back the clock to lead Harewood Open
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