Colsaerts keeps Euro flag flying

Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup on American soil will need a resuscitating at Medinah Country Club today after last night’s second session saw the United States take a firm grip on the contest with a 5-3 lead.

Starting the afternoon fourball session at 2-2, Europe could have been pleased with the way they had stayed in the hunt during the opening foursomes matches but nothing could have prepared them for the onslaught unleashed by Davis Love III’s Americans as they won three of the four better ball matches, Nicolas Colsaerts almost single-handedly keeping the Europeans in the hunt by earning a valuable point at the end of play in an outstanding debut match.

The Belgian rookie sank eight birdies and an eagle as partner Lee Westwood was reduced to a spectator role in their match with Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, won at the final hole after Woods finally produced some stunning form to make a fight of it over some dramatic closing holes.