US in control at Presidents Cup

The United States, led by a dominant Tiger Woods, had one hand on the Presidents Cup trophy after opening a seven-point lead today.

The Americans left the stunned International team in need of a miracle in tomorrow’s singles to have any chance of claiming victory at Royal Montreal.

With 12 singles matches to be played, the US need only three points to win the trophy.

Ahead by only two points starting today, the Americans took command by sweeping the five morning foursomes.

They then eked out a share of the spoils in the afternoon fourballs – winning two matches, halving one and losing two others to finish the day leading 14.5 -7.5.

Stewart Cink made three late birdies as he and Jim Furyk came from behind to edge Angel Cabrera and KJ Choi one up.

Phil Mickelson and Woody Austin birdied the final two holes to earn a half-point, finishing all square with Adam Scott and out-of-form Retief Goosen.

“To make the one on the last hole sure felt good,” Mickelson said, after sinking a 20-footer.

Woods and David Toms picked up another point when they outclassed Geoff Ogilvy and Nick O’Hern five and three.

The Internationals picked up their first point of the day when Canadian Mike Weir and South African Ernie Els beat Lucas Glover and Charles Howell four and two.

Vijay Singh and Stuart Appleby notched another point for the Internationals when they beat Steve Stricker and Hunter Mahan one-up.

“It’s huge for us to turn it around,” said Woods.

“This morning we played well and this afternoon turned the tide on them and kept them at bay, because you know how dangerous they can be at singles.”