Ryder Cup 2018 opening ceremony as it happened: Europe and USA opening pairs announced

The two captains, Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk, introduced their respective line-ups for Friday morning's play as the famous battle between Europe and USA begins

Ryder Cup 2018 Footage of Le Golf National in Paris

Fourball pairings

1. Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau (US) vs Justin Rose and Jon Rahm (Europe). 
2. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler (US) vs Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen (Eur)
3. Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas (US) vs Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton (Eur)
4. Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods (US) vs Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood (Eur)

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What is it?

The opening ceremony is hosted by France football legend David Ginoa and will feature live music from the Kaiser Chiefs and French artist Jain. Films and clips from previous tournaments will be show as the excitement and tension builds ahead of Friday's first event.

When is it?

The opening ceremony takes place on Thursday 27 September, a day before the Ryder Cup starts on Friday 28 September.

What time is it?

The opening ceremony begins at 16:00 BST, 17:00 local time, and will last around 90 minutes.

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports will be showing live coverage on their dedicated Ryder Cup channel and online for Sky customers on the Sky Go app.

[27 September 2018 16:42 · Lawrence Ostlere]

A reminder of the European team:

Francesco Molinari

Justin Rose

Tyrrell Hatton

Tommy Fleetwood

Jon Rahm    

Rory McIlroy

Alex Norén

Thorbjørn Olesen

Paul Casey

Sergio García

Ian Poulter

Henrik Stenson

[27 September 2018 16:44 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Tiger Woods got an enormous reception in the US roll call, and I believe Ian Poulter just edged Rory McIlroy in the reception stakes for Europe. 

[27 September 2018 16:55 · Lawrence Ostlere]

As the opening ceremony cuts to some emotive VT footage, let me direct you towards Jonathan Liew's excellent preview from Paris:

[27 September 2018 16:58 · Lawrence Ostlere]

The opening pairings:

Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau (US) vs Justin Rose and Jon Rahm (Europe). 

[27 September 2018 17:01 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Match 2

Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler (US) vs Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen (Eur)

[27 September 2018 17:03 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Match 3

Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas (US) vs Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton (Eur)

[27 September 2018 17:03 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Match 4

Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods (US) vs Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood (Eur)

[27 September 2018 17:07 · Lawrence Ostlere]

So there we are, the opening morning's play in all its glory:

[27 September 2018 17:09 · Lawrence Ostlere]

The opening match seems the most well-balanced to me, but the other three seem like uphill tasks for Europe and they will need something special from one of the rookies to get out ahead or at least level.

[27 September 2018 17:24 · Lawrence Ostlere]

That's all from me, thanks for tuning in. I'l leave you with the latest from our man on the ground: