Stricker, Johnson raise US hopes with early victories
Steve Stricker scored the first point in today's singles matches at the Ryder Cup, giving USA captain Corey Pavin renewed hope on a day when Europe had initially threatened to run away with tournament.
Stricker won 2&1 over European star player Lee Westwood, and moments later Dustin Johnson collected the US's second point of the day with a comfortable win over Germany's Martin Kaymer, Johnson seeing off his opponent 6&4. The score now stands at 9½ to Europe, with the US on 8½.
Though Europe are clearly still in a commanding position, captain Colin Montgomerie may just be growing a little unnerved; certainly, the sight of Europe's No. 1 player squandering a lead to Stricker will prove a bitter disappointment for the Scot.
Westwood had led from the 5th, but after going all square on the 12th on finding the rough, the Englishman ended up in the water from his tee shot on the 13th, allowing Stricker to get back into the game. Stricker is acknowledged as one of the finest putters in the game, and he made a superb putt on the 15th to go 2up, before eventually claiming the win on the 17th.
While a US victory remains unlikely, there's undoubtedly been a momentum shift over the course of the last hour's play, with both Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson leading 2up against their opponents. But Ian Poulter and Luke Donald have performed strongly for Europe.
Current scores:
Westwood v Stricker USA WIN 2 UP
McIlroy v Cink A/S (15)
Donald v Furyk EUROPE 2 UP (14)
Kaymer v Dustin Johnson USA WIN 6&4
Poulter v Kuchar EUROPE 4 UP (11)
Fisher v Overton EUROPE 1 UP (10)
Jimenez v Bubba EUROPE 2 UP (9)
F Molinari v Tiger EUROPE 1 UP (8)
E Molinari v Fowler EUROPE 1 UP (8)
Hanson v Mickelson USA 2 UP (7)
Harrington v Zach Johnson USA 2 UP (6)
McDowell v Mahan EUROPE 3 UP (6)
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