DONGGUAN, South China, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's Graeme Mcdowell and Rory Mcilroy remained their lead in the third round at the Mission Hills World Cup here on Saturday, but the duo's advantage sliced from three strokes to one.

    Mcilroy missed out on topping the European money list last week, but quickly got over the disappointment by the sound performance at the World Cup. The world No. 10, just 20 years old, together with his partner Mcdowell, fired an 8-under 64 in the Saturday's Four ball competition by catching eight birdies.

    However, Ireland's lead was cut by defending champion Sweden and Italy, which shared the second place. Sweden's Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson carded a 10-under 62, while the Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari shot a blistering 11-under61. The two teams made the title race full of suspense.

    "Although our advantage sliced, we are still in a positive position. Hopefully we can have a solid performance in tomorrow's foursomes and win the title," said Mcilroy.

    For the second consecutive year, Sweden, behind the play of Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson, were approaching the title again. A year ago, with 18 holes left, Sweden was tied for the third, four strokes behind Spain and Australia in a tournament they went on to win.

    After three rounds this year, Sweden was in the second place, only one stroke behind the Irish team. In tomorrow's final round, Sweden and Italy will continue their pressure on Ireland on the way to the glory.

    Japan and South Africa were both seven strokes back, while Wales and England were eight strokes off the lead.

    Hosts China, although supported by impressive crowds at Mission Hills, only recorded a 4-under 68 and sipped to the 18th place with one foursomes round left, which made their aim of finishing the competition at top 10 difficult to realize.