United States seize early lead against Faldo's men
Ian Poulter and Justin Rose threw away a two-stroke lead after the former chipped a putt on the 13th into the water.
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Friday, 19, Sep 2008 10:39
The United States have taken a 3-1 lead after the opening foursomes in the Ryder Cup at Valhalla.
Nick Faldo's European team led in the early stages of all four matches before an impressive comeback from the hosts.
American had drawn first blood after Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan's 3&2 win over Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson.
After dropping the first two holes, veteran Leonard and rookie Mahan rallied to clinch victory at the 16th hole.
In the second match-up in Kentucky, Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim fought back against Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson to take a half. Despite trailing by three strokes after 12 holes, veteran Mickelson began the comeback with a stunning putt on the 14th.
The match was all square after 16 holes and the Americans secured half-a-point when Harrington missed with a putt that would have given Europe the win.
Elsewhere, Justin Rose and wildcard Ian Poulter also blew a three-shot lead in their clash with Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell.
The American pair levelled on the 13th when Poulter's approach shot found the water. The contest went down to the last hole and the US duo won the point when rookie Rose's shot ended up in a bunker.
In the final contest, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia won the last two holes to share the points with Jim Furyk and Kenny Perry.
Furyk, playing in his sixth Ryder Cup, and compatriot Perry squandered a two-stroke lead with two holes to play.
Perry missed a match-winning putt on the 17th before skewing his tee shot at the last hole into the water to allow the European duo to escape with half a point.
Captain Faldo admitted it had been a difficult start for his side in their bid to win their fourth straight Ryder Cup.
"They gave 100 per cent but this is the thing about the Ryder Cup - you have to forget it all pretty quickly and get out there again," Faldo said.