Donald boosts European hopes
Luke Donald struck a potentially crucial first blow for Europe today as the rain-delayed Ryder Cup resumed at Celtic Manor.
Donald chose not to attempt a five-foot birdie putt to halve the ninth hole against American rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton as darkness fell on Friday evening.
âTomorrow is going to be fresh greens and it was getting dark so I didnât feel comfortable taking it,â Donald explained at the time.
And it looked like the right decision when play restarted at 8am and Donald calmly rolled in the putt to keep himself and Padraig Harrington just one down in the bottom fourballs match.
The US pairing of Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar were still two up on Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy after 11 holes, Cink having made five birdies with a number of lengthy putts yesterday.
Europeâs only lead was courtesy of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer in the opening match, the Anglo-German pairing one up on Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson after 13 holes.
The remaining clash between Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher and Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker was all square after 10 thanks to Poulterâs birdie on the 10th last night.
