The International team was scrambling to stay in contention at the Presidents Cup as Saturday's afternoon four-ball matches got underway.

After sweeping all five of the alternate-shot matches in the morning, the Internationals were leading in two matches, the U.S. side led in one while the remaining two matches were all square.

Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont. and partner Ernie Els jumped to a 1-up lead against Charles Howell and Lucas Glover after five holes.

Vijay Singh and Stuart Appleby were 1 up through four holes on Steve Stricker and Hunter Mahan.

Tiger Woods and David Toms opened a 2-up lead through three holes against Australians Nick O'Hearn and Geoff Ogilvy.

Angel Cabrera and K.J. Choi were all square against Stewart Cink and Jim Furyk after playing eight holes.

Phil Mickelson and Woody Austin, who also played together in the morning matches, were also all square with Retief Goosen and Adam Scott through seven.

The Americans led the Internationals 12-5 after three rounds of competition.

The Presidents Cup ends Sunday with 12 singles matches.