Eagle puts Spain in the clear in China

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MIGUEL Angel Jimenez sank an eagle putt on the seventh to help Spain maintain their place at the top of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup midway through the third round fourballs in China.

The 44-year-old had combined with Pablo Larrazabal for a superb 63 in foursomes in the second round to open up a four stroke lead.

However, Spain made a slow start to the third round, making par on the first three holes and allowing second placed Australia to cut the deficit to three.

But Jimenez picked up a birdie on the par four fourth before the Ryder Cup player chipped in from off the green for an eagle on the seventh and then Larrazabal birdied the ninth to move Spain on to 21 under overall at the turn.

Australia, meanwhile, were hot on Spain's heels having climbed from 13 under to 18 under with Richard Green and Brendan Jones hitting two and three birdies respectively through nine.

Germany were a shot further behind at 17 under with Martin Kaymer enjoying a fine run of form heading out, carding four birdies through nine.

Scotland were tied for 20th place through 17 holes.

Colin Montgomerie and Alastair Forsyth picked up four shots today to move to seven under.