Thorbjorn Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark posted an alternate shot score of 2-under-par 70 and stretched their lead to four strokes over Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler of the United States heading to the final round of the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf at Kingston Heat Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.
The Danes, trying to give their country its first title in the tournament that dates to 1953, were at 14-under 202, which included a best-ball total of 60 in the second round. That’s the format for the final round.
“I think we played very well again,” Kjeldsen said. “We managed to stay aggressive mentally even though it was (alternate shot). Our games were good and we got into a nice little roll.
“We have to play great again tomorrow because there are going to be a lot of birdies out there. We have to take care of ourselves and just stay aggressive.”
Fowler and Walker, trying to give the U.S. its record 25th World Cup title, collected five birdies in a 69 that was one of only two sub-70 scores in round three, while Ashun Wu and Li Haotong of China were another shot back in third after a 72.
Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Ishikawa of Japan recorded a 71 and were seven strokes behind in a tie for fourth with first-round leaders Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain, who totaled 73, and Victor Dubuisson and Romain Langasque of France, who finished at 72.
Francesco Molinari and Matteo Manassero of Italy wound up at 73 and were eight down in solo seventh, while Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry of Ireland carded a 70 and were nine back in a tie for eighth with Alex Noren and David Lingmerth of Sweden, who shot 73, and Danny Lee and Ryan Fox of New Zealand, who came in at 72.
Adam Scott and Marc Leishman of reigning champion Australia, the pre-tournament favorites, were tied for 11th after a 70.
