Golf: Smail shares lead in Japan

David Smail. Photo / Simon Baker

New Zealand golfer David Smail is in a share of the lead after the opening round of Nagashima Shigeo Invitational Sega Sammy Cup in Japan.

The 41-year-old shot a five-under-par 67 yesterday to be in a five-way tie at the top of the leaderboard with four Japanese players.

Smail, who made seven birdies, strolled down the 18th fairway in the outright lead at six-under but he promptly dropped a shot to slip back to a share of the lead.

A five-time winner on the Japan Tour, Smail's best result this year has been a tie for 18th in the middle of the season.

Compatriot Richard Lee shot a 74 to be in a share of 75th place.

- NZPA