Ryder Cup: Europe continue fightback to stun United States in Saturday foursomes

Europe continued their sterling revival at the 41st Ryder Cup as the United States' lead was cut for a second session in a row at Hazeltine. Darren Clarke's team are just one point behind after claiming two-and-a-half points in the morning foursomes, with the US surrendering a commanding position on day two.

Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters continued their impressive run as a partnership by thumping Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler in the first match. The European pair opened up a four-hole lead after eight holes and despite a brief American resurgence they held on to win 4&2.

When I saw the draw last night, I was like yes, I get to have ago at him again," said McIlroy, who recorded his first Ryder Cup win over Mickelson. My record against him in the Ryder Cup isn't what I would like it to be. So personally I may be wanted it a little bit more for that reason.

"But just to go out first, put a point on the board for Team Europe, that's what we wanted to do. We wanted to start the session off in the right vein. As Thomas said, we've got very similar games and I think that helps in foursomes as well."

Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka registered the Americans' only point during the Friday fourballs and they repeated their success in the foursomes - dominating Henrik Stenson and Matthew Fitzpatrick. The US pair led from the first hole, and though they were briefly held up completed victory 3&2.

There were no such problems for the all-English duo of Justin Rose and Chris Wood however, who halved the opening six holes before creating a three-hole lead over Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson. Rose found water at the 16th to reduce the advantage to one, but his approach to the 18th was enough to secure the 1UP win.

There was also drama in the final group where Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed had looked destined to retain the Americans' two-point lead, as they led by four through 12 holes against Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello. But three straight bogeys coupled with Cabrera Bello chipping in off the green at 17 helped secure a pivotal half.