Australia helped the International side's cause -- antipodean Adam Scott and South Africa's Ernie Els earned a point with a two and one victory over Hunter Mahan and Sean O'Hair then Robert Allenby combined with Fiji's Vijay Singh to defeat the champion pairing of Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink (US and British Open champions respectively).

CNN: United States hold slim lead at Presidents Cup

Phil Mickelson went into the clubhouse on six-under 136, two ahead of British Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Many pundits are also tipping Sweden's Henrik Stenson, the world number eight, South Africa's two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen and compatriot Ernie Els, both twice Masters runners-up, as lively challengers.

BBC: Woods ready for Masters campaign