McIlroy wants to reprise World Cup partnership at Ryder Cup

SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy is hoping his successful partnership with Graeme McDowell at the World Cup of Golf this week will convince Colin Montgomerie to pair the friends at the Ryder Cup next year.

The Northern Irish duo, representing Ireland at the 55th World Cup of Golf, hold a three-shot lead going into the weekend at Mission Hills after shooting a second round four-under-par 68.

After their blistering opening round 58, McIlroy said he hoped Montgomerie, Europe captain for next year's clash with the U.S., had been watching. He expanded on his thoughts on Friday.

"Everyone knows I'd love to play with Graeme in the Ryder Cup, there would be nothing better," the 20-year-old told reporters.

"I think we would make a great team, but it's not up to me to decide and we've still got a long way to go. We still have to make the team.

"I think we do team up very well and I think that showed today. It wasn't the easiest of 68s by any means, but we sort of grinded it out and we put together a good score."

BODY LANGUAGE

The world number 10 was particularly pleased with the way the pair had responded to a double bogey at the 15th by birdying the following two holes.

"I think we showed tremendous character," he said. "We didn't let a couple of mistakes get us down on the golf course.

"We talked about body language there on 16 after walking off the tee box saying, 'look, let's walk positively up this fairway and try and get a couple back,' and that's what we did."

McDowell, the world number 46, made his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla last year, earning 2.5 points as Europe lost to the U.S.

If they achieve their ambition and play together at Celtic Manor in Wales next October, the Ulstermen will be hoping for plenty of chances to show off their celebratory shoulder bump.

"It just says something about the attitude we are trying to have on the golf course," said McDowell, who is 10 years his partner's senior.

"We are trying to have a good time, and playing golf with this guy is a lot of fun and I certainly enjoy it. I think it's an attitude we will be trying to maintain over the weekend."

(Editing by John O'Brien)