Rookie pair help give US early lead in Ryder Cup

By Tony Jimenez

The United States, inspired by a brilliant display by rookie duo Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, led by 2-1/2 points to 1-1/2 after a topsy-turvy opening fourballs session in the 40th Ryder Cup on Friday.

Holders Europe, helped by a magical stroke from Sergio Garcia who holed out from a greenside bunker at the fourth, held the upper hand early on but the visitors fought back strongly.

Spieth, 21, and Reed, 24, forming the youngest partnership in the history of the biennial team event, crushed out-of-sorts Ian Poulter and Scottish debutant Stephen Gallacher 5 & 4 in match three.

The first contest was dominated by Europe’s Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson as they swept to a 5 & 4 win over Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson.

Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer let slip a three-hole lead to halve their match with Americans Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker, while Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley beat world number one Rory McIlroy and Garcia one up in the final match.

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