SHENZHEN (China), Nov 24: Americans Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum continued to set the pace at the World Cup on Saturday, grabbing and eagle and two birdies on the front nine for a one-stroke lead over France on 18 under par.

France’s Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret were just one of several pairings tearing up the course in the third round fourballs and their six birdies and an eagle through 14 holes gave them a one-stroke advantage over England and Scotland.

Childhood friends Weekley and Slocum have led since the first round and made a steady start on another sunny day at the Mission Hills course.

Par through the first couple of holes, Weekley’s aggressive play was rewarded with an eagle three at the third when he sank a 15-yard putt.

For the next three holes the Floridians were putting for saves rather than birdies but, just when it looked like the pack might catch up, Weekley picked up shots at the seventh and ninth.

England’s Justin Rose and Ian Poulter had not made as much ground as they had hoped in the betterball format, a string of narrowly missed putts restricting them to three birdies at the halfway point.

Last year’s runners-up Scotland were just three under, too, after Marc Warren picked up two shots before the turn and Colin Montgomerie added the third at the 10th. That keep them a shot in front of defending champions Germany and South Africa.

Thailand’s reward for a nine-under 63 featuring an eagle three and seven birdies was to move from a tie for 19th at the start of the day to a share of seventh on 14-under with the other big movers, Canada.

Former US Masters champion Mike Weir picked up five shots and his partner Wes Heffernan added three more birdies as they went eight-under through 17 holes.—Reuters