Australia's Cameron Smith has soared to the top of the leaderboard in the $US7 million CIMB Classic in Malaysia.
Smith carded an eight-under par 64 at TPC Kuala Lumpur today to lead the strong field by a shot.
After two pars to start, the Queenslander ran in five birdie putts on the front nine, another three at the 14th, 16th and 17th to take the outright lead, and parred in for a 64.
Smith's only victory on the PGA Tour of the United States was in a pairs event with Jonas Blixt in Louisiana last season.
But the world No.151 was fourth in the US Open at Chambers Bay in 2015, and it was this tournament in Malaysia in that same year that set up his career.
His nearest challengers are Thailand's Poom Saksansin and Xander Schauffele of the United States at seven-under.
World No. 4 Justin Thomas began with a 70.