US attempt Ryder comeback

Europe were today battling to hold off a determined fightback from the United States on the final day of the 35th Ryder Cup.

With all 12 singles matches out on the course, the home side were up in five and down in three, with the remaining four matches all square.

That would of course be good enough for the visitors to retain the trophy but, having trailed in six of the first seven matches early on, European captain Bernhard Langer would be taking nothing for granted.

Facing a record five-point deficit overnight, US captain Hal Sutton simply put his players out in the order in which they qualified for the team, meaning Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love had the chance to make up for their disappointing performance so far.

Woods was all over the golf course but still two up on Paul Casey after 11 holes, Love was one up on Darren Clarke at the turn, and Jim Furyk was cruising to victory as he stood five up on David Howell after nine.

Mickelson had been two ahead of Sergio Garcia after eight holes but the fiery Spaniard then holed two long birdie putts in a row to get back on level terms in a crucial contest.

Lee Westwood won the eighth to get back to one down against Kenny Perry but Luke Donald was two down to Chad Campbell after six.

As ever Colin Montgomerie was leading by example, the 41-year-old Scot two up on David Toms after seven, while Padraig Harrington had eagled the par five second to get back on level terms with Jay Haas.

Thomas Levet was the other European player in front, the Frenchman one ahead of Fred Funk after four holes.