Thaindian News

HAIKOU (China), Nov 26 (IANS) Pre-tournament favourites Graeme McDowell and Rory Mcllroy’s glistening performance took them to a two-stroke lead on top at the Mission Hills Golf World Cup after the third round fourballs format here Saturday.

World No. 2 Mcllroy and his partner McDowell clinched eight birdies to keep their leadership with 8-under 64 in the third round. The pair, runners-up of the World Cup in 2009, made a 21-under 195 after the round, two shots ahead of second-placed Germany, South Africa and the United States, Xinhua reported.

“It is a solid day,” said McDowell, who contributed five birdies. “We are right where we want to be going into tomorrow. We are two shots ahead, but there are some great teams and some great players, so we have to go and play very well.”

“Graeme will take the odd-numbered holes and I will take the evens,” said Mcllroy about their strategy tomorrow. “We will just go out and play like we have done the last three days, and if we can play like we did today, then we have a great chance to lift up that trophy.”

Germany restored to shape after a mediocre second round to make a marvellous 11-under 61 and rallied from the 10th to the sharing second after finishing at 19-under 197.

World No. 4 Martin Kaymer snatched seven birdies while Alex Cejka also contributed four.

“We played very well together. We made lots of birdies and always on different holes,” said Kaymer, winner of the HSBC Championships this year. “We had a slow start on Thursday but I played very well today. You can only play well and be aggressive if you have partner who is playing very consistent and is always there for you.”

The Aussies, who shared the first place with the Ireland Friday, dropped to the fifth on 18-under 198, while the Netherlands are one shot behind.

The World Cup, which runs from Nov 24 to 27, has attracted 56 players from 28 countries and regions. It was changed to become a biennial tournament following the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.