Report: USA's lead cut to one point in second foursomes

The USA will take a one-point lead into this afternoon’s fourballs after the second foursomes of the 2016 Ryder Cup ended with Europe winning 2.5-1.5.

Europe’s fightback continued as they reduced the deficit to leave the score at 6.5-5.5 in America’s favour.

The 2.5-1.5 scoreline in today’s foursomes at Hazeltine proved a better showing for Europe compared to the opening day 4-0 defeat.

The momentum swung back and forth throughout the second round of foursomes as both teams looked to take the initiative heading into the afternoon fourballs.

second foursomes

Europe claimed the first point of the day to pull the score back to 5-4 courtesy of a 4&2 victory for Rory Mcllory and rookie Thomas Pieters over Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler.

Mcllory and Pieters were 3 up after five holes but had to contend with a fightback from the US pair as they pulled it back to 1 down on the 10th and then the 12th hole. However, the young Europeans hit two birdies and a par on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes to clinch the point.

The USA restored their two-point lead (6-4) thanks to a high-quality showing from Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka to win 3&2 against Henrik Stenson and Matt Fitzpatrick.

The American pairing were in blistering form, especially on the greens, as they saw off the challenge of Stenson, the Open champion, and Ryder Cup debutant Fitzpatrick.

Justin Rose and Chris Wood almost made a meal of their match against Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson but held on for a 1 up victory.

second foursomes

Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth were in blistering form at the beginning of the round and were 4 up after 11 holes, but they started to fade and let Spaniards Sergio Garcia and Rafo Cabrera Bello back in the contest.

The Americans were reduced to just 1 up with two to play and then a sensational putt from Cabrera Bello on the 17th for birdie levelled the contest with one to play.

Reed holed a clutch putt on the 18th to salvage a half-point when they really should won the match following their early dominance.