(Report by Fatiha Betscher, Haikou, China – Saturday 26th November, 2011)

The thought of joining some of the greats in golf awaits the Ireland team of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

McIlroy and McDowell combined in the third round Fourball format to record an eight-under par 64 and move two strokes clear of their rivals on the Blackstone course.

The U.S. Open winning pair justified their pre-event favouritism with eight birdies including three in succession from the fifth hole.

Ahead now is the opporunity to now have their names etched on the same trophy as some the greats in the game.

“It would be incredible for G Mac (McDowell) and myself to be able to add our names to the list of names and countries on the trophy, the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead,” said McIlroy.

“They’re just two American teams and feature four of the best players ever to play the game.

“So to be able to be able to put your name on a trophy alongside their names would be something special.”

And McDowell, who along with McIlroy who last year savoured a first Ryder Cup success, shared his countryman’s sentiments.

“I completely agree with Rory because the legends of the game have won this trophy and to go out there with one of your best friends and experience the highs and lows of this game, and hopefully it will be a high tomorrow, is going to be special,” said McDowell.

“That’s what makes the team format so amazing to be able to pick up something like the Ryder Cup and share that as a European Tour, so if Rory and I have the chance to win this great trophy we will be able to share that as great friends.

“That would be something extra special but there is no substitute for that as this is a very individual sport because we get the opportunity to go and battle it out with each other tomorrow so it should be a lot of fun.”

Three teams, the USA team of Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland, the South African side of Major Champions Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen along with the German duo of PGA champion, Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka, are tied in second place at 19-under par.

The U.S side recorded an eight under par 63 while German and South African teams 11-under par 61s as they seek to regain the World Cup last won by Tiger Woods and David Duval in 2000 in Argentina.

“Today was a great day for us and we ham-and-egged pretty well,” said Woodland.

 “It was really nice when I was struggling that Matt picked me up and I could make some putts on the back nine.

“But we now have a chance and it’s going to be an exciting final day but with so many good teams up there, we are going to have to try and be aggressive and make some birdies.”

As for South Africa they seek to end a 10-decade long winless drought while Germany out is out to cut short a 21-year losing streak.

The Australian team of Brendan Jones and Richard Green birdied the opening two holes but struggled mid-round to record a 67 and fall back to fourth place on 18-under par.