Europe storm into record-equalling five-point lead on first day of Ryder Cup

The home side swept an opening session for the first time.

EUROPE LEADING RYDER CUP: Viktor Hovland was proving to be the star for Europe in the early stages of the Ryder Cup in Rome. Pic: ©INPHO/Matteo Ciambelli

Jon Rahm cemented his status as Spain’s latest Ryder Cup superstar as Europe claimed a record-equalling five-point lead after an extraordinary opening day of the 44th Ryder Cup.

Captain Luke Donald’s decision to start with foursomes for the first time since 1993, when the United States last won on European soil, paid handsome dividends as his side swept an opening session for the first time ever.