- Australia's Smith charges to share of lead at Hong Kong Open

Cameron Smith shot a round of 63 to share the first-round lead at the Hong Kong Open after the event’s return following a COVID hiatus. Smith’s late birdie spree propelled him to join Eugenio Chacarra at seven-under at the Hong Kong Golf Club. They held a one-stroke lead over Gunn Charoenkul and Jang Yu-bin. Smith, who recently competed in the LIV event in Saudi Arabia, had a solid performance with eight birdies and one bogey. Smith praised the challenging course and expressed hope for no rain. Chacarra, a former golfer for Oklahoma State University, had a bogey-free round with seven birdies to secure the clubhouse lead. Patrick Reed, the Masters winner, was four shots behind the leaders, while Graeme McDowell, another major winner, finished the day at three-under. The Hong Kong Open returned to the Asian Tour schedule this year, and Wade Ormsby, the event’s previous champion, shot an even-par 70.