Scotland's Andrew Coltart and Dean Robertson produced a 10-under-par round of 62 to match Swedish opponents Niclas Fasth and Robert Karlsson in a high quality fourball at the World Cup in Japan today.
Canada's Mike Weir and Ian Leggatt joined Scotland and Sweden in a three-way tie at the top of the early leaderboard in the $3 million tournament.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley carded a 64 to beat Chinese pair Zhang Lian-Wei and Liang Wen-Chong by three strokes.
Sergio Garcia made birdies on the last four holes as he and partner Miguel Angel Jimenez left it late to beat Wales by three strokes.
The Spaniards finished with a score of nine-under 63 and will tee off in Friday's foursomes one shot off the pace.
Americans Tiger Woods and David Duval, defending the title they won last year, trailed home favourites Toshimitsu Izawa and Shigeki Maruyama by three strokes after 17 holes in the final group out.
England's Ian Poulter and Paul Casey recorded a score of 65 to beat Paraguay's Carlos Franco and Angel Franco by three strokes.