Argentina set the pace on the opening day of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as Rafa Echenique and Tano Goya combined to post an 11 under par 61 in the first round fourballs.
Echenique dominated the bogey free partnership with an eagle at the heavily bunkered 15th and a fourth birdie of the day at the last following a 20 foot putt to open up a one stroke lead over Japan.
Hiroyuki Fujita and Ryuji Imada carded an opening round ten under 62 in the better-ball format, which often leads to high scoring, over the undulating Olazábal Course at Mission Hills Golf Club.
Ireland charged into contention as Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell blazed nine birdies over their opening 13 holes, with brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari in the clubhouse at eight under par for Italy.
“I feel very confident playing with Rafa, he holed a great putt at the last,” said 21 year old Madeira Islands Open - BPI Portugal champion Goya.
“We hit a lot of greens and fairways and we make a really good combination.”
Last week in Japan Edoardo Molinari edged out Robert Karlsson in a play-off to win the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament to add to three wins and a further nine top ten finishes in Europe which set a Challenge Tour record earnings record for a season and ensured a return to The European Tour next season.
“We played quite well and had a lot of chances and it is the first time in fourball that we have holed some putts in the first round so we are pleased,” said Edoardo, who combined with Francesco to finish 19th last year following a 17th place finish in 2007.
“I am in a period of very good form. I have finally been consistent this season, the last few seasons I have some good weeks and some bad weeks, but this season has been very steady.
"Winning in Japan last week is a massive boost for the confidence because it was a great field, almost like a European Tour event. And going head-to-head with Robert on Sunday when we were both playing well was a lot of fun and it gives me a lot of confidence for this week and next year because when you go against the best guys it’s great for the confidence when you stand up to the test.”
Defending champions Henrik Stenson and Karlsson picked up seven gains over their opening 11 holes for Sweden to sit just four back alongside Korea, led by US PGA Championship winner Y E Yang.
Denmark, Singapore and Wales all posted opening rounds of six under 66 with England and Germany also progressing to six under nearing the end of their opening rounds.
