Americans take charge

The United States kept alive their faint hopes of a final-day miracle at the 35th Ryder Cup, leading Europe in six of the first 10 singles m...

The United States kept alive their faint hopes of a final-day miracle at the 35th Ryder Cup, leading Europe in six of the first 10 singles matches at Oakland Hills.

Although Europe need just three more points from the 12 encounters to retain the trophy they won at The Belfry in 2002, the Americans were in inspired mood after an emotional team meeting on Saturday night.

Tiger Woods was two up on Britain’s Paul Casey after nine holes in the first match out while Phil Mickelson led Spaniard Sergio Garcia by one, also after nine.

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In the third match, Davis Love III was one up on Briton Darren Clarke after eight and 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk, boosted by four birdies in the first seven holes, led rookie David Howell by four. Kenny Perry, another Ryder Cup rookie, was two up on Lee Westwood after six and Chad Campbell, also making his debut in the biennial event, led Briton Luke Donald by two after four.

Europe were ahead of the Americans in only two matches.

Colin Montgomerie led David Toms by one after five, having holed a 25-foot birdie putt at the first, and Ian Poulter won the opening hole against fellow rookie Chris Riley when his American opponent bogeyed.