New Zealand No 2 David Smail is in a share of 16th place at the Sun Chlorella Classic on the Japan Golf Tour after carding rounds of 71 and 70 for a three under par total.
With round two to play, Smail is six shots back from Australian leader BrendanJones and set to record a much-needed positive result as he attempts to retain his card for 2013.
Smail, who is currently 83rd on the Japan Golf Tour money list, opened with a bogey but rallied with three birdies to get into contention on the tour for the first time this year.
Across the Pacific, New Zealand No 1 Danny Lee made a slow start at the Canadian Open, signing for an even par 70 in round one to claim a share of 66th place.
The Korean-born Kiwi, who is 156th on the Fed Ex Cup standings, will begin round two eight shots back from American Scott Piercy.
Lee made the turn in one under par 34 and eventually reached three under, but made three consecutive bogeys to drop back to even par and on the cusp of the cut-line.
The former US Amateur champion needs a strong run of form to secure his place in the top 125 on the standings and qualify for the first Fed Ex Cup playoff event in late August.
Meanwhile, on the web.com tour, Tim Wilkinson was one over through 11 holes at the Children's Hospital Invitational in Ohio before play was suspended due to inclement weather.
The left-handed professional from Manawatu, who is currently the leading Kiwi in 46th place on the web.com order of merit, is in a share of 76th place at the OSU Golf Club.
Hamilton professional Steve Alker, who finished tied 19th at the British Open last week, carded a three over par 74 to be in a share of 129th place.
The 40-year-old Kiwi, who is currently 67th on the order of merit, is attempting to climb inside the top 25 to automatically qualify for the PGA Tour in 2013.
