European lead rattles Americans

VALDERRAMA (Spain), Sept 28: Europe left the United States shell-shocked and reeling as they stretched their lead to five points by shuttin...

VALDERRAMA (Spain), Sept 28: Europe left the United States shell-shocked and reeling as they stretched their lead to five points by shutting out the Americans on the second day of the Ryder Cup yesterday.

The holders broke away to a 9-4 lead by winning five and halving two of the seven matches yesterday to leave the Americans desperately needing good results from three unfinished foursomes today to have a chance in the singles.

Key to the strong European position was the fourballs when they won three and halved one while inflicting defeats on Masters champion Tiger Woods, British Open champion Justin Leonard and PGA champion Davis Love.

“Obviously I’m disappointed but I think surprised describes it better,” US captain Tom Kite said.

With Europen skipper SteveBallesteros popping up everywhere in pursuit of his Spanish dream as the fourballs progressed, first Colin Montogomerie and rookie Darren Clarke won by one hole over love and Fred Couples after Montogomerie birdied the 16th and 17th holes and Clarke safely parred the last.

Then Ian Woosnam and Danish debutant Thomas Bjorn scored a 2 and 1 triumph over Leonard and Brad Faxon

Nick Faldo and his rookie partner Lee Westwood beat Woods and Mark O’Meara 2 and 1 with Woods putting across the 17th green into the lake that fronts it in a desperate attempt to battle back.

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In the fourth match, Jose Maria Olazabal holed from 20 feet at the last as he and Ignaciao Garrido halved with Tom Lehman and Phil Mickelson.