By GolfDigestME.com
Jordan Smith carded a joint-DP World Tour career low nine-under 62 as he took a one stroke lead in the first round of the Portugal Masters.

The Englishman carded seven birdies and an eagle at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course as he goes in search of his second DP World Tour title to add to his victory at the European Open in 2017.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a banner year in 2022 with two runner-up finishes and six further top tens. He is currently 14th on the DP World Tour Rankings in partnership with Rolex and is set to record his highest ever finish on the season-long standings.

Sharing second in Portugal on eight-under are Joost Luiten of the Netherlands and Denmark’s Jeff Winther. The pair sit one stroke ahead of Gavin Green of Malaysia, Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren and Frenchman Robin Roussel.

The Portugal Masters is the final counting event on the 2022 DP World Tour schedule, with the top 117 golfers on the DP World Tour Rankings after this tournament retaining their playing rights for 2023. After the first round, Norway’s Espen Kofstad is the current last man in, projected to finish in 117th position.

“Anything like that you’re over the moon with,” Smith said. “I’m really happy with the way I played. I’ve been under the weather all week because I caught the flu last weekend. Not been feeling my best, they say beware the injured golfer. Considering my prep hasn’t been the best, I’m over the moon with it.

“A win is the only thing missing this year. I’ve been close a couple of times. Overall, it’s been a great year and I’m over the moon with it already. Just to top it off with a win would be amazing.”

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