MELBOURNE (REUTERS) - Jason Day ensured compatriot Adam Scott's pre-tournament prediction of a World Cup triumph for Australia was no idle talk as he charged into the lead after the third round today.

His five-under 66 gave him a one-stroke lead over Danish overnight leader Thomas Bjorn in the individual competition while lifting Australia to the same margin over the United States atop the team component.

The world No. 18's impressive return at a challenging Royal Melbourne course follows the loss of eight relatives who were killed in the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan.

Day had expected to be carried by world No. 2 Scott but has instead shouldered the burden of putting Australia back in the frame while hoping to lift spirits in his mother's country.

"I think it's going to be a bit of a challenge tomorrow," the 26-year-old said.

"It's going to be a big waiting game because there's a lot of good players, a lot of tough competitors behind me that are willing to take the win and I've got to go out there and just play golf and really not think about it.