FINAL LEADERBOARD -27 Wales -25 England, Sweden -22 France -21 Denmark -20 Netherlands, Argentina -19 Germany -18 India -17 Spain, Taiwan

Play had initially been delayed on Sunday morning because of heavy rain, high winds and the threat of lightning.

But organisers eventually decided to cancel play altogether and award the round-three leaders the win.

England's Luke Donald and David Howell finished second, tied with Swedish duo Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson.

France were fourth, while Denmark rounded off the top five.

It was the second World Cup triumph for Wales, who also won in Hawaii in 1987 with Ian Woosnam and David Llewellyn.

"It was the best rain I've ever watched," said the 39-year-old Dodd, who won the 2004 China Open and the Irish Open earlier this year.

"It would have been nice to have won over four days but we'll take winning over three days."

I cannot believe that because of heavy rain they hand out the trophy after three rounds From IP Have your say on Five Live

Dredge , 32, the 2003 Madeira Island Open champion, added: "We had a picture of Ian and David with the World Cup in our clubhouse at Bryn Meadows, where I played golf as a young man.

"I've always said one day that might be me. This means the world to us."

Donald, who won the trophy for England last year alongside Paul Casey, took the rain-affected finish in his stride.

"Obviously it's disappointing not to get a chance today but that's the way the cookie crumbles," said Donald.

"I've benefited from the weather in the past and you just have to accept what happens."

I've benefited from the weather in the past and you just have to accept what happens England's Luke Donald

The victory was set up in Saturday's third-round fourballs, after Wales started the day tied in the lead with England and Sweden.

A 20-foot eagle putt from Dredge on the 15th took them from one behind England to one ahead.

And Dodd's two-putt birdie at the long 17th - after Dredge had hit into the lake - doubled the gap.

Dredge also found water on the 18th, but Dodd's par four kept their advantage.