MISSION HILLS: Defending champions Sweden and Italy’s Molinari brothers closed to within one shot of leaders Ireland after the third round fourballs at the World Cup here today.

Ireland, leading by three strokes overnight, were unable to repeat their first-round heroics, their 64 leaving them at 26 under after 54 holes. Franceso Molinari holed an 18-footer on the par-four 18th for a 61 to lie just one shot adrift of Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, before Sweden’s Henrik Stenson also birdied the last to draw level in second place.

Ireland, who started the $5.5 million event with a 58 in the opening fourballs on Thursday, were off to a strong start with a McDowell birdie at second before McIlroy holed a 12-footer for a birdie at the third but were unable to maintain their cushion.

McIlroy, ranked 10 in the world, said they were still positive despite seeing their lead cut down to one shot, adding they had not taken full advantage of the fourball format. Both players said a win would be the highlight of their careers so far.