NZ in contention at World Cup of Golf

The New Zealand team of Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison enjoyed a solid start to the World Cup of Golf at Mission Hills in China, opening with a six under par 66 in the round one four-balls to be in a share of 10th place.

The Kiwis will begin today's second round five shots back from the Australian pairing of Richard Green and Brendon Jones who had an impressive 11 under 61 that included seven birdies and two eagles on the par-72 course on the South China island of Hainan.

The Aussies lead the Irish duo of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy and Scotland's Martin Liard and Stephen Gallacher by two shots.

Australia have won the World Cup on three occasions, but not since 1989 when Peter Fowler and Wayne Grady combined for the victory.

Ireland made ground on the Australians on the back nine with McIlroy, ranked No 2 in the world and the US Open champion, holing five birdies and an eagle. McDowell, the 2010 US Open winner, had two birdies.

McIlroy and McDowell represent their native North Ireland as individual players but Ireland in team events. They were runners-up in the last edition in 2009 to Italy's Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, who currently have a share of 19th place.

Hendry and Paddison, both playing in their first World Cup, began well with three birdies in the opening seven holes and then came home strongly with an eagle two at the par four 16th and a birdie at the 17th for the six under total.

The format is two rounds each of foursomes and fourballs. Today's second round is foursomes with players hitting alternate shots.