Golf:The final battle lines have been drawn after both Ryder Cup captains named their singles line-up with Lee Westwood to take on Steve Stricker in the top match, which will be closely followed by Rory McIlroy and Stewart Cink in the second billing.
Europe hold a very healthy 9.5-6.5 lead after destroying the Americans 5.5-0.5 in today’s foursomes/fourball matches and now need five points from the singles to claim back the Ryder Cup.
The lower end of the batting order comprises two Irish major winners with US Open champion Graeme McDowell to take on Hunter Mahan, while Pádraig Harrington will take on Zach Johnson in the match ahead.
“Graeme is a very confident young man and has gained even more after his US Open win,” explained Europe captain Colin Montgomerie in his reasoning to put G-Mac in the anchor pairing. “If it does come down to the last match, he is a real strength and there’s a reason why Graeme is 12th man.”
There were some surprises in the fact world number one and two, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, are listed in match eight and 10 respectively against Francesco Molinari and Peter Hanson.
“Yes, I was somewhat surprised to see Tiger and Phil down the order,” added Monty, who was delighted to be heading into the singles with a generous lead.
“I’d have taken 8-8 but that was one of the greatest days for European golf. In all my years, over 20 years being involved in the Ryder Cup, I don’t think I’ve witnessed a day like this and denying the Americans a single win,” added Monty, who heaped praise on all his players but picked out the Molinari brothers for special mention, despite being the only partnership to drop points with their halved match.
“The Molinaris deserve special mention, for two rookies, two brothers and to do what they did and finish with a birdie to halve with Stewart (Cink) and Matt (Kuchar) was unbelievable. But special mention must go to all of my 12 players.”
The top match gets under way at 9.05am tomorrow.
Session Four: Final Day Singles
(First match tees-off at 9.05am followed by 12 minute intervals)
Lee Westwood v Steve Stricker
Rory McIlroyv Stewart Cink
Luke Donald v Jim Furyk
Martin Kaymer v Dustin Johnson
Ian Poulter v Matt Kuchar
Ross Fisher v Jeff Overton
Miguel Angel Jimenez v Bubba Watson
Francesco Molinari v Tiger Woods
Edoardo Molinari v Rickie Fowler
Peter Hanson v P Mickelson
Pádraig Harringtonv Zach Johnson
Graeme McDowellv Hunter Mahan