Magical Europe seize lead at rain-hit Ryder Cup

Europe took a stranglehold on the weather-disrupted Ryder Cup in Wales yesterday, seizing a potentially decisive three-point lead over the United States to set up a historic finale today.

The Europeans crushed the Americans in the third session, winning five and a half points out of the six on offer to turn a two-point overnight deficit into a comfortable lead heading into today’s climactic singles.

Europe, leading 9 1/2 to 6 1/2, now need only five points from the 12 available to win back the trophy they lost at Valhalla in 2008. United States captain Corey Pavin insisted his team would be able to come back after what was a catastrophic day at the office.

“We’ve got 12 of the best players in the world and in match play anything can happen,” Pavin said.

“The one thing I can guarantee to you is that Team USA is going to come out firing tomorrow (today). They have to go out and perform and play and if they do that we have a chance.”

Play will go into a fourth day for the first time in the biennial showpiece’s 83-year history after torrential rain deluged Celtic Manor earlier yesterday, wiping out six hours of playing time.

When play finally resumed, Europe immediately managed to regenerate the momentum that had swept them into leads in all six matches on Saturday, rapidly overhauling the Americans’ overnight 6-4 lead.

Lee Westwood and Luke Donald produced some superb golf to beat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker six and five, a one-sided rout of the star American pair that had watching skipper Colin Montgomerie beaming with delight.

The European duo, starting the day at four up, reeled off three consecutive birdies before closing out comfortably to win the foursome.