A poor weekend performance ended any chance of David Smail and Danny Lee winning the World Cup for New Zealand at Mission Hills in China.

Italy's Molinari brothers have won the tournament, finishing on 29 under par , one shot clear of Ireland and defending champions Sweden.

Smail says he and Lee were feeling confident after a solid start, grabbing a share of 7th place at nine under par at the halfway stage. However, the kiwi teammates failed to continue their form on the weekend, finishing in a tie for 20th on 12 under par.

Smail says one area in particular let both players down. He says they both missed putts at crucial times and good putting is essential in this format.

Smail now heads back to Japan for their season ending Tour Championship beginning Thursday.