The International team pulled off a dramatic turnaround by sweeping the United States on day three of the Presidents Cup to take a three-point lead into the final round at The Links at Fancourt.

The Internationals claimed all six four-ball matches on Sunday for a 12 1/2 to 9 1/2 advantage with 12 singles matches to be played on Monday.

It was the first time in Cup history the Internationals have whitewashed the US team and came after the Americans won seven of ten matches on Saturday.

The Australian contingent finally found their feet and all five members played pivotal roles as the defending champions were thrashed in windy and smokey conditions.

Queenslander Adam Scott and KJ Choi capitalised on an errant opening three holes from Kenny Perry and Jerry Kelly to be first in the clubhouse with a thumping 5 and 4 result.

Scott scored four birdies and two bogeys as he and Choi sent the portly Perry crashing to his first loss of the week.

Compatriots Peter Lonard and Stephen Leaney had their first Cup wins with a 2 and 1 victory over US pair Fred Funk and Phil Mickelson.

The New South Welshman and West Australian were two down after three holes but hauled their way back into the match before holding their nerve on the 175m par 3 17th against Phil Mickelson and Fred Funk.

Victorian Robert Allenby and Mike Weir survived a scorching back nine from Justin Leonard for a 1-up win after some very calm play in the final holes as the US mounted a late fightback.

Australia's highest-ranked golf Stuart Appleby bounced back from being rested with he and Zimbabwe's Nick Price recording a valuable point over Cup specialist Davis Love III and David Toms 2 and 1.

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