Aussies Smith, Harrison in hunt at Hong Kong Open

Asian Tour regular Phachara Khongwatmai has upstaged early starters Cam Smith and Bae Sang-moon with a sizzling 10-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Hong Kong Open.

The 22-year-old Thai bagged four birdies on the way out and six on the back nine which, mixed with three bogeys, sent him top of the leaderboard at 12 under on Friday.

Australian Smith backed up his opening 63 with a four-under 66 to share second place with South Korean Bae (63), who won twice on the US PGA Tour before two years of national military service interrupted his career.

"Early alarm this morning, the body quite wasn't working," said Smith, who won his first major at last year's British Open.

"It was a bit scrappy to be honest, it was good to get out of there three or four under par. Hopefully I can keep improving."

Another Aussie in Harrison Crowe (65) is one of five players at 10 under in a tie for fourth, while compatriots Scott Hend (67), Andrew Dodt (71) and Travis Smyth (68) were all three under.

Zach Murray (68), Douglas Klein (69) and Jed Morgan (71) made it to the weekend by one shot - finishing two under the card, but Wade Ormsby, who won the tournament for the second time when it was last played nearly four years ago before a COVID-enforced hiatus, missed the cut after shooting a one-over 71.

Former major champions Graeme McDowell (65) and Patrick Reed (65) remained in touch at four and five shots off the pace respectively.

Taiwan's Lee Chieh-po recorded consecutive 65s and had the shot of the day, finding the cup off the tee from 190 yards on the par-3 eighth to earn himself a brand new BMW i5.

Earlier in the day, Bae made a brilliant start on the composite Fanling course by birdieing the second hole before coming up with an eagle at the par-five third.

"It was really good," said the 37-year-old, who pulled out of this week's PGA Tour event in Bermuda to return to Asia and play.

"I'm trying to find my game, the putting's good, the iron shot's good so I'm really looking forward to playing this weekend."