And in Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, the Americans couldn't have had tougher opponents. Had a couple more dropped for the home pairing in the early stages, they would have finished while lunch was still rare. Lee Westwood in particular was responsible for the prolonged outing. Having birdied the opening hole, a feat matched by Furyk, he continued his stunning approach play over the next two, leaving himself hole-winning putts of under 10 feet on both, but twice he missed.

From there his partner took over.

Clarke birdied four and then five to leave Europe up by two, a lead that was never threatened. In fairness, the Americans had the occasional chance around the turn. Woods, whose driving was wayward and approach play inaccurate for the most part, missed a five-footer for the win on nine, while on 12 he lipped out, failing to reduce the deficit which by then had grown to three thanks to Clarke's miraculous iron at the previous hole. Westwood extended the gap at 14 while Furyk responded at 15, but it had been over long before that. Clarke secured the 3&2 win by chipping in for birdie, and a decisive half, from off the green at 16. Fitting given his circumstances. Fitting given his performance as well.

KEY MOMENTS Best shot Clarke on 11. Drive went so far right, it avoided the bunker.

With the pin also right, he sent the ball to within "ve feet.

Worst shotWoods looked to have found some form with his approach on nine but then missed a six-footer.

Turning point That 11th. Clarke and Westwood had been well on top but going onto the par four, they were only two up and the Americans could have won the previous two holes. Both in trouble off the tee and with the Americans well-placed, to turn it around for the win was a huge blow.

Man of the match Darren Clarke (right). Not for guts, but for a brilliant performance. Four birdies and three holes won in a game where 11 of 16 were halved.