McIlroy halves, Donald wins to give Europe three-point lead

Luke Donald has beaten Jim Furyk 1up in their Ryder Cup Singles match this afternoon to give Europe a three-point lead over the US.

Donald's win made it 12-9 for Europe. Furyk found a bunker on 18, leaving Donald with two putts to win, and he closed out the victory by one hole.

Earlier, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy holed a pressure put on the 18th green to halve his match with Stewart Cink.

McIlroy, who once described the Ryder Cup as an exhibition match, offered a totally different view after completing his debut experience.

“This is the best event in golf by far,” he said.

“I thought we both played very well, and a half was probably what we both deserved.”

“I knew Jim would be tough, and he put some pressure on me at the end. I was glad to get a point,” said Donald.

“The match is tight, but we have still got some good leads in matches behind.”

Score: Europe 12 USA 9

Full report to follow.