SHENZHEN (China), Nov 29: Brendan Jones’ 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th gave Australia a 9-under 63 and a share of the lead with Spain after Saturday’s third round of the World Cup of Golf.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Pablo Larrazabal, who held a four-stroke lead after two rounds, settled for a 67. Jimenez missed a 6-foot putt for birdie on the final hole, which would have kept Spain in the outright lead.

Both teams were 22-under 194. Jones and teammate Richard Green seem to like the fourball (best ball) format. They also shot 63 on Thursday using that style of play. However, Sunday’s final will be played in foursomes (alternate shot). Spain shot a blistering 63 on Friday playing that format.

Robert Karlsson and Henrick Stenson of Sweden, the two highest ranked players in the event, shot 66 to be four strokes off the lead. Germany was another stroke back after a 68. Ireland (68) trailed by seven and the United States (69) and Japan (68) were eight behind.

Australia pulled even with Spain on the 15th with an eagle. Jones landed his approach close and Green holed the 5-footer. Playing in the same group, Jimenez found water on the hole and settled for a bogey to level the two teams at 21-under.

Spain went to 22-under with a birdie on 16.

In foursomes, teams play one ball and alternate the shots. Four ball is easier because each golfer plays his own ball, but the team only counts the best of the two scores on each hole.—AP