Miracle saves Olly from captaincy post-mortem

It was a comeback that has already established itself among the most astonishing in the annals of sport and must have come as a relief to victorious European captain Jose-Maria Olazabal, who would have serious questions to address had his side have been wiped.

The main issue would have been his fourball and foursomes pairings that contributed to his team’s 10-6 deficit going into Sunday’s singles. He was rescued by what he himself described as “a miracle”, thanks largely to almost unbelievable heroics by Ian Poulter on Saturday evening and his team-mates’ resurgence on Sunday.

In the end, every European was delighted it all worked out for the Olazabal and the esteem in which he is held by each member of his team was reflected by the glowing tributes which flowed to him as a captain and person.