Kobori Leads Australian PGA Championship as Smith Stumbles

New Zealand's Kazuma Kobori leads the Australian PGA Championship after a sizzling eight-under-par 63 in the second round. Despite a rain-hit start, Kobori's nine birdies set him apart. Meanwhile, Cameron Smith missed the cut after a disappointing round. China's Ding and Australia's Quayle and Rankin trail closely.

Kazuma Kobori of New Zealand showcased exceptional skills at the Australian PGA Championship, firing an impressive eight-under-par 63 during the second round. This performance propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, capturing the sole lead in the season opener of the DP World Tour at Royal Queensland.

Kobori, who scored a hole-in-one amid rain delays on the first day, completed his round with nine birdies, overcoming a single bogey, to sit 10-under overall. His closest competitors were China's Ding Wenyi and Australians Anthony Quayle and Brett Rankin, all trailing by just a stroke.

Local favorite Cameron Smith, three-time champion, faced disappointment with a four-over 75, missing the cut. This marked his second miss in three years at the tournament. Smith, who had struggles figuring out the course, felt unsettled despite having a confident start to the day.

(With inputs from agencies.)