Ireland moved into a slender lead over clubhouse leaders Germany during the third round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
World Number Four Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka combined for a brilliant 61 at Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island to set a 19 under par target.
Starting the day tied for the lead with Australia, Ireland pair Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell birdied seven of their first 11 holes to be one ahead at 20 under.
Australia remain in close attendance on 17 under par, though, with Richard Green and Brendan Jones four under for the day, while South Africa joined them in third as Major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel reached nine under after 15 holes.
