Team Europe matched the greatest comeback in history to retain their Ryder Cup crown at Medinah Country Club. Trailing USA 10-6 heading into the final day, Europe faced an uphill battle to keep hold of the Ryder Cup but Martin Kaymer&aposs one-up win against Steve Stricker in singles play was the triumphant moment as the Europeans went on to claim a 14 1/2 – 13 1/2 win, their 12th victory in total. Kaymer, who had sent his first putt a few feet short of the hole, sunk a six-foot putt to prevail against Stricker and clinch the all-important point for the Europeans on the 18th hole. Europe&aposs four-point deficit was the same amount which the American&aposs successfully erased at the 1999 Brookline event. The Americans needed four and 1/2 points from the 12 closing singles games to lift the Ryder Cup for just the third time since their memorable victory in &apos99, however, Jose Maria Olazabal&aposs side won the opening five singles matches on the final day of competition. Former world number one Luke Donald edged Bubba Watson 2 and 1, Ian Poulter continued on from his stunning form on Saturday to beat Webb Simpson two-up and world number one Rory McIlroy overcame Keegan Bradley 2 and 1. Justin Rose hit two successive birdies as he sensationally defeated Phil Milckelson one-up despite trailing late on, while Paul Lawrie won 5 and 4 against FedEx Cup champion Brandt Snedeker. Under significant pressure, the Americans needed a response and got it from Dustin and Zach Johnson. After bogeying on the 12th and 13th holes, Dustin Johnson recovered with two consecutive birdies to beat Ryder Cup debutant Nicolas Colsaerts 3 and 2. Zach Johnson closed out a 2 and 1 win to give the home team a 12-11 lead but Lee Westwood&aposs 3-and-2 victory over Matt Kuchar tied the 39th edition of the Ryder Cup. The match between Jim Furyk and Sergio Garcia was full of drama. Furyk was on the verge of going two-up with two holes to play, but his putt lipped out. That incident brought Garcia back into contention and the Spaniard took full advantage, securing a one-up win to give the European&aposs a surprise lead. However, Jason Dufner levelled the match when he defeated Pater Hanson two-up, meaning the Cup would be decided by the final two games. Kaymer recovered from finding the bunker to pounce on Stricker&aposs unsuccessful par attempt as Europe clinched the required 14 points. And despite taking a one-up lead over Francesco Molinari, Tiger Woods could only halve the final match, which handed the European&aposs outright victory.
Author: Omnisport