Rory McIlroy has been a talismanic figure for Europe at the last three Ryder Cups and he came up trumps once again in yesterday’s foursomes, while also gaining a measure of revenge against Phil Mickelson.

With his team needing a fast start to the third session of play at Hazeltine, the Northern Irish world number three dovetailed superbly with Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters as they completed a 4 and 2 victory over Mickelson and Rickie Fowler.

The duo inspired a thrilling display by their team on a gorgeous morning of unbroken sunshine in Minnesota, with Europe winning 2.5 points out of a possible four against the United States to reduce the overall deficit to 6.5-5.5.

For McIlroy, his victory in tandem with Pieters had an added bonus as it was the first time in three attempts he had beaten US veteran Mickelson at the Ryder Cup.

“When I saw the draw, I was like, ‘Yes, I get to have a go at him (Mickelson) again’, because my record against him in the cup isn’t what I would like it to be,” McIlroy said.

“Thankfully, I was able to get one back on him. He’s beaten me two times.

“Personally, I may be wanted it a little bit more just for that reason but to go out first and put a point on the board for Team Europe, that’s what we wanted to do.”