Team Cup - Day two digest

All you need to know from Saturday's foursomes at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort.

Tyrrell Hatton earned a stunning half, Paul Waring made the most of a rest and Edoardo Molinari struggled to stay neutral.

Here is everything you need to know from Saturday's foursomes at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort.

Hatton halves in style

Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Wallace trailed for all but four holes of their morning foursomes against Thorbjørn Olesen and Niklas Nørgaard. The Danes shot eight under, a remarkable effort in the alternate-ball format – but their English opponents reached seven under and snatched a half-point as Hatton holed from 60 feet for an eagle at the 18^th.

Uncharted territory for Thorbjørn

Olesen was given some unfamiliar approach shots to play in that match after being partnered with Nørgaard – eight inches taller at 6ft 4in and a commensurately longer hitter. “It’s a pleasure to play with Niklas, he’s one of the longest hitters out here,” said Olesen with a smile. “It’s nice to see a different part of the golf course than I’m used to!”

Honest Edoardo

Edoardo Molinari, the statistical specialist on Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup staff and brother of Continental Europe captain Francesco, is on hand in a supposedly unbiased capacity assisting both teams. In an appearance with the television commentary team, Edoardo was asked which team he was supporting. “I’m supposed to be ‘Switzerland’,” he joked, referencing the central European nation’s reputation for neutrality in diplomatic matters. When asked if that was possible, the refreshingly honest Molinari added: “Er, not quite!”

Anything you can do…

Aaron Rai hit a superb approach into the par-five eighth from 271 yards in his afternoon match, leaving his playing partner and Captain Justin Rose 10 feet behind the hole. Opponent Romain Langasque responded in style, more than matching Rai’s effort to set up a seven-footer for Matthieu Pavon to win the hole.

Julien Guerrier and Jordan Smith similarly traded blows at the first:

Waring enjoys rest in vintage showing

Paul Waring enjoyed a successful day against Matteo Manassero and Antoine Rozner, winning 5&3 with Matthew Jordan in the morning for what was the highest winning margin of the week – until he and Laurie Canter beat the same opponents 6&4 in the afternoon. The 39-year-old from the Wirral joked of his success while playing only alternate shots: “It's the age, isn't it? I got accused of being 49 yesterday by you.”