Rory McIlroy’s goal of ending the season as European No. 1 has received a huge boost with his five nearest rivals, including closest challenger Peter Hanson, deciding not to contest two of the last three events on this year’s schedule.

Defending champions Sweden trimmed Ireland’s advantage to two strokes at the midway point of today’s third round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell combined to blaze a brilliant 14-under-par 58 in today’s opening round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as Ireland opened up a commanding three shot lead over Argentina.