This morning's foursomes

8.00 This will be epic, a clash of golfing titans that confirms the long wait is finally over

8.00 This will be epic, a clash of golfing titans that confirms the long wait is finally over. Just as they were asked to do in the 2004 match at Oakland Hills, Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie take on America's mightiest pair, Tiger Woods, the world's number one, and Jim Furyk, the world's number-two ranked player.

It's a tough ask for the European duo, but a task not beyond them. Woods has been virtually invincible since winning the British Open in July while Furyk has also hit a rich vein of form.

They formed an impressive partnership in last year's President's Cup, but Furyk hasn't won any of his previous six fourball appearances in the Ryder Cup and Woods has only one three of eight fourballs.

The Harrington-Montgomerie partnership is a natural fit after what they achieved in Detroit and, since teaming up for the first time in the second session of fourballs at the Belfry in 2002, they have won three of their four matches. - Philip Reid

READ MORE

8.15 Perhaps a surprise pairing to many outside the European team room. Paul Casey is in the form of his life as manifest in his World Matchplay victory at Wentworth last week where the golf he produced was simply stunning.

He is one of only three players in 77 years to win all four matches in a Walker Cup match, achieving that distinction at Nairn. He forms part of a long hitting partnership with Swedish Ryder Cup debutant Robert Karlsson. Possesses a beautiful swing and has twice won in Europe this season.

Stewart Cink is one of Tom Lehman's wild-card choices. An excellent putter he partnered Davis Love at Oakland Hills to a victory over Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie in fourballs. Paul McGinley exacted some revenge, Irish style, in beating him in the singles. JJ Henry is the first of America's rookies to go into action. Won the 2006 Buick Classic. On form this one should go Europe's way. - John O'Sullivan

8.30 It may be a new-look all-Spanish pairing, but it is one that could ignite the European team.

Sergio Garcia's record in the Ryder Cup since his debut appearance in 1999 is hugely impressive, securing 11 points from a possible 15.

While Olazabal has struggled a bit with his recent form, this return to Ryder Cup duty for the first time since 1999 and teaming-up with the young conquistador should inspire him to great deeds.

If a few eyebrows were raised at rookie Brett Wetterich's inclusion for the first series of fourball matches, it wasn't a surprise in the US team room.

The big-hitter has taken an immediate liking to the Palmer Course which fits his eye.

David Toms is the ideal partner, complementing Wetterich's big driving with a more cautious gameplan. - Philip Reid

8.45 There won't be a dry eye in the house when Darren Clarke steps onto the first tee and the roars will probably be heard in Valhalla, Kentucky, where the Ryder Cup will be held in two years' time.

The Dungannon man's practice form has been excellent and he'll relish the challenge ahead. It'll be a difficult time emotionally but he's been given the perfect foil in his great friend, Lee Westwood. Together they have beaten Tiger Wood & David Duval (1999) and Woods & Phil Mickelson (2004).

Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco enjoyed success as a partnership in the President's Cup and Tom Lehman is banking on that understanding. There isn't a better competitor than DiMarco or a more naturally gifted short game in the sport than Mickelson. This is a crucial game for the Americans because it's arguably their second strongest combination. A win here either way will be a huge fillip. There shouldn't be much in this one and a halved match wouldn't be a surprise. ... - John O'Sullivan

Harrington & Montgomerie v Furyk & Woods

Casey & Karlsson v Cink & Henry

Garcia & Olazabal v Toms & Wetterich

Clarke & Westwood v Mickelson & Di Marco