Poulter and Hatton from England with ## joint lead over World Cup

Poulter (left) and Hatton were both part of Europe's triumphant Ryder Cup team World Cup or Golf leaderboard-10 Australia, England, South Korea; -9 Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia; -8 Ireland, IndiaSelected others: -6 United StatesFull leaderboard

The English Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have a stake in the lead after the first round of the World Cup of Golf in Australia.

In the opening round of four balls, the pair shot a bogey-free 10-under par-round of 62 in Melbourne.

They are equal with the Australians Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith, as well as the South Korean duo Kim Si-woo and An Byeong-

The two-person teams compete in the second round for the fourth quarter round.

Australia is Friday linked to England, one day before both countries meet in a rugby match against Twickenham

"You have the ashes and the rugby and all," Smith said. "So yes, there's rivalry, we're looking forward to it."

Hatton and Poulter aim for a third title in the event for England and first since Paul Casey and Luke Donald won the 2004 tournament, which was held in Spain.

"You can not make a bogeyman in this format and be happy," said Poulter. "It's about attacking the golf course and making as many birds as possible."

Denmark are the defending champion and their team of Thorbjorn Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen are at nine below, together with Belgium and Malaysia.