Ryder Cup 2018 - as it happened: Team Europe take control over USA on day two
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Europe seized control of the 2018 Ryder Cup on a thrilling second day in Paris.
The hosts took the morning fourballs 3-1 before keeping that advantage in the afternoon foursomes to take what could prove a decisive 10-6 lead into the final day.
Here's how it played out:
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Preview
What time does it start?
It all gets underway at 7.10am on Saturday morning with the opening fourballs.
Where can I watch it?
The whole tournament is being broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. You can also stream it online via SkyGo. It is also available on NowTV.
For those without access to any of those The Independent will be live blogging the entire weekend.
Who's playing?
Some of the very best golfers on the planet. Tiger Woods leads the American team while new world number one Justin Rose is Europe's leading light.
Who's going to win?
USA Evens
Europe 5/4
Draw 11/1
Poulter & Rahm vs Spieth & Thomas (1UP)
Poulter and Spieth both chop wildly at their shots but Rahm makes amends with his effort and finds the green. Thomas goes one better and lands within about 10ft.
Jonathan Liew has his say on the drama from the 16th hole:
The absolute nerve of Justin Thomas there. A short enough putt, but given the state of the match, the state of the Cup, given Poulter, given the crowd, given the fact that his partner’s just missed from shortish range: seriously, what a putt. This is America’s last stand, and with every last bead of sweat they’re clinging on. Pure theatre.
And here's Ed Malyon with his own input:
“Finally some golf I recognise” quips one onlooker as Spieth has a disaster out the rough. “I can do that” says another. USA still laughing but Jon Rahm muscles one out of the second cut to give Europe a shot!
Ed Malyon:
Herrrrre’s Johnny. Brilliant haze hangs over the 17th hole as all the eyes of the golfing world turn to Jon Rahm’s putt. A huge moment for the Spaniard.
Poulter & Rahm def by. Spieth & Thomas 2&1
Nope. It's a huge point for the US. Thomas holes his birdie putt and that wins the hole and the match. It wasn't an easy putt either down the hill and it seems like the American rookie has really settled into the tournament now. He and Spieth will be back this afternoon for their fourth round on the trot.
Over to the foursomes.
Europe 8 - 4 US
Rose & Stenson vs Koepka & Johnson
Our first foursomes match is now on the tee. A rested Rose reignited his partnership with Stenson. Finau is out for the Americans. Koepka continues to head the charge but this time he's partnered by Dustin Johnson. Two of the biggest hitters in history.
Rose & Stenson vs Koepka & Johnson
It's a nervy start from Henrik Stenson though. The Americans are safely into the heart of the green on the first but Stenson's wedge is wild and he can count himself very lucky that he's not in the drink. Not the start he will have wanted.
Rose & Stenson vs Koepka & Johnson (1UP)
What a recovery from Rose. There's no space for him to stand between the ball and the water so he opens up as if to play a flop shot and somehow manufactures a chip to 10 feet. Remarkable shot but Stenson cancels out the break by over-hitting his putt and they're one down.
Unsurprisingly Phil Mickelson is sitting out today. He was terrible in the foursomes yesterday and if he wasn't in the fourballs you knew he would be sidelined. That wildcard pick looks very strange now. But Phil's presence is still there....
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