The Europeans are preparing to make one last push to clinch victory at the Ryder Cup on Monday (AFP)
Europe were preparing to make one last push to clinch victory at the Ryder Cup on Monday as the biennial golfing showpiece finally reached its long-awaited climax.
Europe were preparing to make one last push to clinch victory at the Ryder Cup on Monday as the biennial golfing showpiece finally reached its long-awaited climax.
For the first time in the event's 83-year history, the Ryder Cup will be decided on a Monday after torrential rain wreaked havoc and forced organisers to extend the contest into a fourth day.
The decisive 12 singles matches will get under way at Celtic Manor at 9:05am (0805 GMT), with European talisman Lee Westwood teeing off against America's Steve Stricker in the opening match.
On Sunday, Europe opened up a commanding three-point lead after crushing the Americans in the third session of foursomes and fourballs, winning 5 1/2 of the six points up for grabs.
The rout turned a two-point deficit into a potentially decisive advantage for Europe, who are seeking to win back the Ryder Cup after losing at Valhalla in 2008. Europe needs five points from the 12 available on Monday to win.
Europe captain Colin Montgomerie described Sunday's performance as "one of the greatest days" in the team's history -- but said there was no chance of his players resting on their laurels.
"All credit to everybody in that team today. All 12 on that course performed brilliantly," Montgomerie said on Sunday.
"In my time I truly believe that that was one of the greatest days for European golf that we have had.
"To turn a two-point deficit into a three-point lead was quite amazing. To stop America winning a match -- fantastic.
"But all this will be pointless if it is not continued tomorrow. There's no resting for our team. We're going out tomorrow to win the singles session."
Montgomerie also knows from bitter experience that a three-point margin is far from unbeatable, having played on the European team which lost the infamous Brookline Ryder Cup in 1999 after holding a similar advantage.
"There will be nothing like that. Brookline was mentioned in the locker room there tonight. We were 10-6 up at Brookline; we lost. This isn't as good a position as then," Montgomerie cautioned.
United States captain Corey Pavin insisted the Americans would bounce back after a calamitous day for the defending champions.
"We've got 12 of the best players in the world and in match play anything can happen," Pavin said.
"The one thing I can guarantee to you is that Team USA is going to come out firing tomorrow. They have to go out and perform and play and if they do that we have a chance."
© 2010 AFP/sid
