Europe were dealt a blow in the opening singles game at The Ryder Cup as Anthony Kim defeated Sergio Garcia five and four at Valhalla Golf Club.
With Nick Faldo’s side needing to overcome a two point deficit, the 23 year old American rookie produced a dazzling display to see off the Spanish stalwart, who was never in the game.
Trailing 9-7 going into the final 12 matches, Europe were hoping to get some early blue on the board and while the first point turned red the tension was building in the remaining matches.
In match two Paul Casey had come from two down to draw level after 12 against Hunter Mahan and matches three and four were going the way of Nick Faldo’s side.
Swede Robert Karlsson was four up on Justin Leonard through ten holes, while Justin Rose was three ahead after ten holes against Phil Mickelson.
There was bad news for Faldo in game five, where Henrik Stenson trailed Kenny Perry by three after nine.
Boo Weekley and JB Holmes were also up against rookies Oliver Wilson and Søren Hansen respectively.
Miguel Angel Jiménez was all square with Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink led Graeme McDowell while Ian Poulter was two up in the early stages of his contest with Steve Stricker.
Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington, looking to give Europe a strong finish, were one up on Ben Curtis and all square with Chad Campbell respectively.
