Ireland takes lead in World Cup of Golf

Guangzhou, China : The Ireland team of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy has shot a 14-under 58 in the opening round of the World Cup of Golf, taking a three-stroke lead.

After Thursday's opening day of fourball play, Argentina's Tano Goya and Rafael Echenique were in second place after a 61.

Japan trailed by four strokes in third, while defending champion, Sweden, was six strokes off the lead with three other teams - Italy, Canada and Korea - in the $5.5 million tournament at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Dongguan.

Aiming to win Ireland's third World Cup, McDowell and McIlroy each birdied six holes while McIlroy eagled the par-5 15th.

Play continues on Friday with alternate-shot foursomes.

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