Europe made a strong start to the Ryder Cup against the USA at Bethpage Black outside New York on Friday. After four matches in foursome and four in best ball, Europe was leading 5.5–2.5.
Ludvig Åberg contributed with a point when the Swede, in a pair with Matt Fitzpatrick, England, defeated the world's number one Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley with a clear 5/3.
Leading other matches
Europe's captain Luke Donald wanted the duo to show the way also during Saturday's first foursome match, but against Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young it was tougher.
After twelve played holes, Åberg/Fitzpatrick were under by three holes – a grip that the Americans never released.
On hole 15, Åberg had the chance to reduce the deficit, but his putt rolled annoyingly into the hole edge and the teams shared the hole. On hole 16, it was decided – DeChambeau/Young won the match with 4/2.
It's going better for Europe otherwise.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are leading by two holes against Harris English/Collin Morikawa after having played 15 holes.
Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton are two up against Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (after 13 holes)
Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland are leading by one hole against Russell Henley/Scottie Scheffler after twelve played holes.
Lost in best ball
Åberg also played in best ball on Friday, but then it was a tough loss in a pair with the Dane Rasmus Højgaard against Cameron Young and Justin Thomas (5/6).
Europe won the competition last time, in Rome two years ago. The last time it was a European victory on American soil was, however, 2012.
Later on Saturday, four best balls will also be played. The Ryder Cup ends with singles on Sunday.
