Finland set the pace at World Cup

SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) - Pasi Purhonen came out of retirement to fire Finland into an early two shot-lead at the World Cup on Thursday, combining with Mikko Ilonen for a round of nine-under-par 63 in the opening fourballs.

Purhonen, who last played on the European Tour in 2004 and has been coaching the Finnish amateur national team, sank a 20-foot putt at the 18th for a fifth birdie of a round that also featured an eagle three.

Scotland, France, South Africa, Wales and South Korea were still out on the course tied for second on seven under, while all 28 pairings were under par as birdies and eagles abounded on the Jose Maria Olazabal-designed course at Mission Hills.

Ilonen, twice a winner on the European Tour this year, grabbed a birdie at the first before Purhonen took over by picking up a shot at the next and draining a 15-foot putt for the eagle at the third hole.

"A good early start was the key and we carried on the momentum," said 32-year-old Purhonen, who has spent a couple of weeks in Spain preparing for $5 million tournament.

"It's a big step ... it's about your thoughts, you have to start thinking like a player again," he said.

Bradley Dredge, a World Cup winner with partner Stephen Dodd two years ago, had an eagle at the par-five ninth to spur Wales to a share of second after 14 holes.

English duo Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, the pre-tournament favourites, were five under halfway through their round.

Friday will feature foursomes, or alternate shot, action before the format switches back to fourballs on Saturday and then to foursomes on the final day.