PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – International Team captain Gary Player might tell you he was playing a hunch when in fact he’s been playing a pat hand so far in this sixth Presidents Cup.

Pairing his top-two ranked players together -- Retief Goosen and Adam Scott -- and having them lead off each session the last three days has proven to be a formula for which Player’s counterpart, Jack Nicklaus, has had no answer. All Goosen and Scott have done this week is combine for a team-record 3 ½ points to give the International squad its best chance to win for the first time in America.

The U.S. and International teams, which tied two years ago in South Africa, are tied again, 11-11, heading into Sunday’s singles, and the visiting side has to credit Scott and Goosen for their contributions.

Goosen and Scott, who are fifth and seventh in the Official World Golf Ranking, respectively, capped off their successful partnership Saturday afternoon with a 5-and-4 Four-Ball victory over the previously unbeaten U.S. duo of Justin Leonard and Scott Verplank. Earlier in the day in foursomes, or alternate shot, the Internationals scored a halve against the same Americans.

No team had ever scored as many points in the five previous Presidents Cup matches. Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco equaled point total of Scott and Goosen later Saturday afternoon.

“I think our games kind of complement each other -- similar style,” Scott, a native of Australia, said in explaining why he and his South African counterpart have been so tough the first three days.

“I don’t know why, but we’ve combined well,” added Goosen, who at 35 is 10 years older than Scott.

That’s for sure. Earlier in the week, with Goosen nursing a sore rib on his lower right side (sustained Tuesday in the fitness trailer as he was getting treatment for a groin injury), Scott carried the squad. Late Saturday, it was Goosen’s turn as the two-time U.S. Open champion made six birdies in 14 holes, including three in the first five to keep the International Team square with a hot U.S. duo.

Starting at the seventh, when Scott birdied the par-3 with a 5-footer, the visitors reeled off wins on three straight holes. From there it was over quickly.

Retief Goosen has not lost at the 2005 Presidents Cup. (Greenwood/WireImage)

“Adam played really well the first two days; I played terrible,” Goosen said. “I was prepared to sit out today, actually, either this morning or this afternoon, but I seemed to have found my game a lot better. So I think Adam sort of carried us in the first couple of days, hitting a lot of great shots to keep us going.”

South African partners have been good for Scott, who with Immelman is the youngest competitor in these matches. Two years ago, he teamed successfully with Ernie Els, and now Goosen has been beside him.

“He’s solid, you know, and he’s a great putter, too,” said Scott, who has won on three tours this year, including a weather-shortened playoff victory at the Nissan Open. “I’m lucky to have him as a partner.”

Goosen, who has three titles, including The INTERNATIONAL on the PGA TOUR, in the last two months, is no less fortunate.

“Adam has obviously become a great player,” Goosen said. “He’s won some big events now, and he’s been playing well and consistent. His confidence is riding high.”

Thanks in large part to Scott and Goosen, the International Team’s hopes are riding high, too.