Let the talking stop. . .

PADRAIG HARRINGTON will be warmly fancied to win his first Ryder Cup match since 2004 when he and Luke Donald take on rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton in the final fourball of this morning’s opening session at Celtic Manor.

The inclusion of Overton, who has yet to win a top-drawer professional tournament, in the opening session has come as something of a surprise. He is probably the least known member of the US team and while lengthy driving is one of the hallmarks of his game, even he doesn’t measure up to left-hander Watson, who revels in the art of driving golf balls miles away into the distance.

However, it will be a big shock and a blow to European prospects of regaining the trophy should the rock steady Donald and three-time major champion Harrington not carry too much experience and craft, especially at this early and nerve-wracking stage of the event. Their captain, Colin Montgomerie, is certainly counting on a point from the encounter.