There was no fitting last ride at ParisLongchamp for Frankie Dettori, with Kinross thwarted in his quest for back-to-back Qatar Prix de la Foret victories by Kelina, who survived a nervy stewards’ inquiry.
The retiring Italian was in no rush in the early stages aboard the Ralph Beckett-trained six-year-old, with the first past the post just ahead of him in the order, racing keenly in the hands of Maxime Guyon.
With Dettori and Kinross locked on the inner, Kelina was able to get first run on the big-race favourite.
However, there was still drama to come as Kelina edged right towards the rail while making her challenge, squeezing both Dettori aboard Kinross and Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring for room at a vital point in the contest.
Dettori had enough time to switch Kinross and have one last-gasp crack at the Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained victor, but was unable to bridge the deficit in the closing stages.
Dettori immediately signalled his intention to appeal, but after a stewards’ inquiry the result was unaltered, bringing to an end both Kinross’ phenomenal winning run over seven furlongs and the 52-year-old’s riding career in France.
After the race, a disappointed Beckett said: “We were second best on the day and that’s it. We weren’t good enough.”
When asked if Kinross remained on track for another crack at the Breeders’ Cup Mile, he added: “We will see how he goes, I don’t know yet.”
Firmly on course for the Breeders’ Cup Mile is the winner, who could now get the chance to replicate the achievements of three-time Mile winner Goldikova who sported the same silks of owners Wertheimer and Frere.
The Foret victory was a welcome return to form for Kelina, who having finished fourth in the French 1000 Guineas earlier in the season before claiming the Group Two Prix de Sandringham put disappointments in both the Prix Rothschild and Prix du Moulin behind her.
“She finished last here in the Marcel Boussac and has come a long way since,” said Laffon-Parias.
“Last time when she came here and she didn’t run well we didn’t really have an explanation, but the soft ground was obviously not in her favour.
“She ran a fabulous race in the Prix de Sandringham when she had her ground but again her last start in the Moulin she didn’t have a very good draw and we were going to wait with her, but she just didn’t run her race and that allowed her to come here today fresh.
“After you have won a a Group Two you can only really go for a Group One and we have tried. We had been invited to go to Keeneland and accepted but then we we’re talking about it, we made the decision to come here and we were very pleased with the decision to come here.
“It is no secret that my career is more behind me than in front of me, but I have no plans to stop.”
Jean-Claude Rouget’s unshakeable confidence in Ace Impact proved fully justified, as the unbeaten colt produced a performance for the ages in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
The son of Cracksman’s path to becoming Europe’s premier middle-distance colt has not been a conventional one, but then this is no ordinary colt.
Provincial wins at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January and Bordeaux in early April suggested Ace Impact was a horse of some potential. But few could have envisaged at that stage he would go on to secure one of the most visually striking Arc wins in recent memory.
The three-year-old was dominant when claiming Classic glory in the French Derby in June – and while the margin of his next triumph in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano did not leave every onlooker purring, Rouget knew there was more in the tank.
Baked in Parisian sunshine, Ace Impact went to post for his biggest test as the 5-2 favourite and it was impossible to be anything but blown away by the way he found a Dancing Brave-esque turn of speed to run down the leaders and ultimately win with consummate ease.
It was put to Rouget in the aftermath that the majority of those in attendance were left speechless, but he said: “Actually, I more or less expected to see that turn of foot and that acceleration.
“He wasn’t able to show it at Cagnes-Sur-Mer or Bordeaux, but even after a slow beginning in the Prix du Jockey Club he literally flew home.
“At Deauville he wasn’t ready and I know people we were saying he had not run at Longchamp before, but I thought he would be able to deploy that acceleration, especially on the ground we have today.
“My last reflection before the start of the race was to say to myself, ‘it’s too good to be true’, but it was not too good, it was true!”
Supporters of Ace Impact will undoubtedly have been a little worried beforehand, as he was noticeably on his toes in the parade ring before Cristian Demuro was given the leg-up.
Rouget – who struck with the Demuro-ridden Sottsass in 2020 – insisted he was not overly concerned, adding: “You just have to manage it. He’s like a child, an adolescent who needs to be looked after and reassured constantly. If he was able to talk, he would tell you he’s a very sensitive being.
“I knew the horse was in stronger shape than he was for the Prix du Jockey Club, which is normal as he’s more mature now. He was in marvellous shape before the race.
“The best acceleration I’ve ever seen is Zarkava and this horse is not far off. Sottsass was a very good horse and a very strong horse, but he was not the same type of horse. He was an extraordinary horse, but this one has the power of acceleration of one of the top horses in the world.”
Demuro was able to begin celebrating before passing the post in front, such was the authority with which Ace Impact won, before performing a Frankie Dettori-like flying dismount on returning to the winner’s enclosure.
He said: “I knew it was the last day (at Longchamp) for Frankie, so I did it for him!”
Of Ace Impact, he added: “I knew when I was going to push the button he was going to accelerate, and that is what he did.
“It’s amazing to win the Arc for the second time with an amazing horse. He has a wonderful turn of foot. He’s just a champion.
“I started screaming 200 metres from the post because I saw I was going to win, so I started screaming with the horse.”
What the future holds for Ace Impact remains undecided, with various possibilities on the table.
He could be retired to stud with an unbeaten record, he could have a crack at the Japan Cup before the year is out and he could even be back next season, but connections are understandably keen to let the dust settle before committing to anything.
Pauline Chehboub, representing part owners Gousserie Racing, said: “It was a dream to be able to run the horse against all those champions in that race today.
“Obviously we have to take some time and see how the horse is after his race and then discuss it with the whole team, to see what is next.
“The Japan Cup is one of the greatest races on the whole planet, so we we will see. It’s not a no, but we don’t know about the future.”
Highfield Princess bounced back to her very best to claim the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines with a thrilling late thrust at ParisLongchamp.
John Quinn’s star mare was a regular on the scoresheet at the highest level last season, but although running with real credit throughout the current campaign, she had just the one victory to her name in 2023 as she headed to the French capital.
Having to overcome both a disappointing showing at the Curragh last time and a tricky draw in stall 14, Jason Hart was urging his mount forwards throughout as George Boughey’s Perdika blazed a trail from stall one.
The Boughey raider still looked to have plenty up her sleeve as the field entered the final furlong but as the line approached Perdika’s stride was shortening, while Highfield Princess was edging ever closer and in the shadow of the post, the six-year-old surged to the front to register a welcome return to the sprinting big-time.
Quinn said: “I’m thrilled really. Down the years we have had plenty of horses run really well at this wonderful meeting. In the Abbaye, El Astronaute was third, Liberty Beach was beaten two heads, Safe Voyage was beaten two heads in the Foret.
“It is one of the greatest meetings in the world and I hoped I would one day train a winner here and it is wonderful.”
He went on: “She tries hard and you could say from where she was drawn she was inconvenienced. But she toughed it into the race and toughed it out of the race because two furlongs out she was flat out, but fair dues to her.
“It was a very brave decision (to keep her in training) considering she had won three Group Ones in Europe and was probably one of the best fillies around. I’m so pleased they have been totally vindicated.
“She’s shown she’s as good as any sprinting mare in the world. She showed today what a top-class, sprinting filly she is.”
Quinn will now be urging Highfield Princess’ owners to give the go-ahead for a second tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint having finished fourth at Keeneland last November.
When asked about the mare’s next run being at Santa Anita next month, Quinn said: “Why not? It was all about today and she came through it well.
“We were very happy with her the last couple of weeks. I will need to speak to my owner but I would be strongly suggesting it.
“We needed to see how today went and today went very well. I wouldn’t rule out the Breeders’ Cup or the big sprint at Hong Kong in December.
“It’s John and his family’s decision whether she’ll race on next year, but as long as she’s OK she could go to Santa Anita or Sha Tin.”
Hart added: “She was flat out all the way. It was only in the last 50 yards when the leader tied up that I knew we were going to win. What a mare, she’s so tough.”
Perdika kept hold of the silver medal with Aidan O’Brien’s Aesop’s Fables and Tom Clover’s Rogue Lightning also on the premises.
Some of Jamaica’s most-talented young gymnasts have been selected to a National All-Stars School Team set to compete at the COPA IGA 2023 from October 5- 8th in Panama. The 11 athletes will leave the island on Wednesday, October 4 with Coach Tristan Hall and manager Samantha Bell.
They are scheduled to return home on October 9.
The list of talented athletes includes: Adriannah Alexsis Bailey (Mount St. Joseph Preparatory School), Dojanae Ophelia Garwood (Mount Alvernia Preparatory School), Emma-Marie Antonnae Donaldson (St. Richards Primary School), Harmonie-Jade Isabella Johnson (Belair Preparatory School), Harmony Kimoya Burton (Dunrobin Primary School), Joelle Madison Williams (Mount Alvernia Preparatory School), Lashay Janoia Chutcan (Ardenne, formerly Marlie Mount Primary and Infant School), Leah Cowan (Immaculate Conception Preparatory School), Marisol Hogarth (American International School of Kingston), Roshanique Latanya Ricketts (Brixton Hill Primary and Infant School) and Selah Price (Immaculate Conception Preparatory School).
Coach Hall is very optimistic about the team assembled for the competition, stating, “As the head coach leading this all-star team to Panama I see great potential in each athlete. Our hard work, dedication, and strategic approaches have brought us to this opportunity and I am excited to witness the culmination of our efforts as we showcase our talent and determination in the upcoming meet. We will give it our all and make Jamaica proud.”
Team manager Bell echoed similar sentiments highlighting the fact that tremendous talents abounds within the island’s primary school system.
“Our All-Star team showcases the talent within our prep and primary schools. As team manager, my hopes are to see us cultivate raw talent, instill discipline, and nurture a culture of teamwork,” she said.
“I believe by fostering an environment where athletes can learn and grow, we can ultimately prepare them to represent our nation at the highest level of competition.”
Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy instead of despair after contributing a career-best performance to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome.
McIlroy’s singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the biennial contest for the first time as Luke Donald’s side inflicted a seventh straight away defeat on the United States.
Donald, who played on four winning sides and was ranked world number one, hailed the win as the biggest achievement of his career.
“This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys, because of these moments,” Donald said.
Viktor Hovland had put the first point on the board with victory over Collin Morikawa before Jon Rahm birdied the 18th to snatch half a point from the opening contest with world number one Scottie Scheffler.
Patrick Cantlay then held off a battling Justin Rose to narrow the gap, but McIlroy defeated World Match Play champion Sam Burns 3&1 and Tyrrell Hatton beat Open champion Brian Harman 3&2 to take Europe to within half a point of glory.
They were made to wait as victories for Brooks Koepka, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele kept the contest alive, but when Tommy Fleetwood won the 16th to go two up with two to play against Rickie Fowler, he was guaranteed the half-point required and the celebrations could begin.
Fleetwood duly completed the win and Robert MacIntyre also defeated US Open champion Wyndham Clark before Shane Lowry halved his match with Jordan Spieth to make the final score 16.5 to 11.5.
“I really didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,” Fleetwood said. I’m quite relieved, I have to say.
“I’m just so happy to play a part in it, although it was a bit bigger part than I thought it was when I saw the draw. The landscape has changed a bit for Team Europe but I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do this with.
“It’s been so amazing. We are just one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime.”
McIlroy felt he had let his team-mates down at Whistling Straits after suffering three heavy defeats before beating Schauffele in the singles, after which he broke down in tears during a television interview and admitted he could not wait for a shot at redemption in Rome.
McIlroy won his first three matches at Marco Simone but lost the final fourball on Saturday evening and was involved in an angry exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations on the 18th green which spilled over into the car park.
“Walking off the 18th yesterday was probably the angriest I’ve ever been in my career,” McIlroy told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I said it to the US guys, I thought it was disgraceful what went on and I made that clear.
“I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.”
McIlroy had to fight back tears before he added: “I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.
“It’s a great bounce-back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”
Rahm admitted he was extremely aware of the significance of his match against Scheffler, who had suffered a 9&7 thrashing alongside Koepka in the Saturday foursomes.
“I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards,” said Rahm, who two-putted from 90 feet for birdie on the 18th after Scheffler hit a clumsy chip over the green.
“I’m sitting looking at my putt (on 18) and the scoreboards are right in my way. So it’s hard not to catch yourself lingering.
“But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores, I refocused on the task at hand and played good at end. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”
Europe regained the Ryder Cup on Sunday with a final score of 16.5-11.5 at Marco Simone.
Here the PA news agency takes a look at some of the best images from the finale.
Captain Luke Donald revealed his emotions after Europe swept to Ryder Cup victory.
Europe regained the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome, with a 16.5-11.5 win over the USA.
Tommy Fleetwood’s 3&1 win over Rickie Fowler ultimately sealed victory on Sunday, one which had looked likely since Europe’s 4-0 whitewash in the foursomes on Friday morning.
Donald said: “Pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, it’s been an amazing journey and I enjoyed this one.
“It was stressful. The US put up a fight today and hats off to them. Unbelievable, but I’m so proud of my 12 guys.
“We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.
“It started off great, we got off to great start, we needed some blue on the board early and a few matches changed to red and you kept looking at the board and thinking ‘Where are we going to find 14.5 points?’ but we always had some guys at the back who looked good.”
Asked where it ranked in his career, Donald added: “This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys because of these moments.
“We play for each other, we get to share in that success together and we get to spend this week together and we will have those memories forever.
“I gave them a good culture to succeed, hopefully I laid out a good plan in how I thought they were going to win and then it was staying out of the way. They had to play well and they did the job, I’m happy they trusted me.
“In historic Rome we made history today.”
Donald believes his team proved the doubters wrong following their 19-9 defeat in America two years ago, saying: “Not many people gave us a chance after Whistling Straits.
“We were big underdogs, we started to show some form in the last six months and I couldn’t be happier with with the team I’ve got and I think these guys will be around for a long time.”
Fleetwood added: “I (feel) relief, pride, joy. I’m proud of everyone who has been involved this week and am proud I am just one of the people who gets to play a role in what we came here to do.
“Luke is amazing. We are all so proud of him. From when this whole process started he has been so good.
“The way he has been this week has been phenomenal and we look at Luke on another level. I’m so pleased we could do it for him.”
Robert MacIntyre closed out a 2&1 victory over Wyndham Clark while Shane Lowry lost the last hole to halve with Jordan Spieth.
Lowry told Sky Sports: “It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve in this game.
“We didn’t get much confidence from Whistling Straits so I’m so proud of my team.
“It’s been the greatest week of my life. I’ve been so lucky to do what I have in the game but the last two hours have been the most stressful two hours of my life.
“Thankfully Tommy did the business and the rest was just a celebration from there.”
Beaten US captain Zach Johnson was in floods of tears after his side’s defeat.
Struggling to get out his words, Johnson told NBC: “I think the Europeans played phenomenal golf. It really is that simple.
“My guys showed true heart and grit, a lot of character. They played for each other and I love them, but hats off to Luke.
“They played great and they were very impressive. I think we got outplayed.
“I’m proud of my guys, they fought. It’s not them, it’s on me. Maybe it’s some poor decisions, something to reflect (on). I don’t know yet.
“I don’t have the brainwaves to function right now. I’ll reflect on this and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will diagnose every little bit of it.
“I’m not making excuses, Europe outplayed us and they earned it.”
Ralph Beckett is eyeing a run at the Breeders’ Cup following Westover’s brave second in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
The son of Frankel, who was an Irish Derby winner at three, had to settle for sixth in his first crack at Europe’s richest middle distance prize.
But returning to the French capital on the back of a fine four-year-old campaign, the colt thrived in the unusually quick ground to find only the imperious Ace Impact too good in the closing stages.
Westover finished a length and three-quarters behind Jean-Claude Rouget’s impressive victor, but Beckett could not hide his pride in his charge who has now earnt a trip to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup Turf next month.
“What a run, I’m delighted, what a run,” said Beckett.
“Hukum came across and sort of helped the pace along it looked like to me. He seemed a bit lazy out of the gate and then has got his place.
“At the top of the straight I thought we were in business, but there was just one better.
“He’s gone and done it again, which is terrific for everyone. I’m so proud of him.”
He went on: “I always fancied the Breeders’ Cup Turf for him because he’s a horse who enjoys his time away, as we saw in Dubai.
“So I’ve always kind of fancied that for him. The Breeders’ Cup Turf is shaping up to be the best ever isn’t it, but that’s life and I think we will probably go.”
Westover was once again picking up a silver medal having also filled the runner-up spot behind Hukum in a thrilling renewal of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes earlier in the season.
However, Owen Burrows’ five-year-old could not repeat his Ascot heroics from a tricky position in stall 14, with the quick ground blunting his challenge.
“The ground was a lot quicker than ideal. We didn’t expect it to be so quick, it was on the fast side of good,” said jockey Jim Crowley.
“From stall 14 I had to use up a little bit (of energy) but I actually got a good position and was happy. I got a breather into him down the hill but he just couldn’t pick up on the quick ground.
“He owes us nothing, he has come back from injury and won a King George, he is a very special horse.”
Fabrice Chappet’s Onesto claimed third, while Japan’s wait for a first Arc winner goes on after Tomohito Ozeki’s Through Seven Seas kept on for fourth, but ultimately could not land a telling blow at the business end.
“There was no pace on and so our jockey held her up,” said Ozeki.
“It was a sprint in the straight but I am pleased at the way she finished. We don’t know whether she will run again. It depends how she is because the Arc is such a great challenge for a horse.”
A place further back in fifth was Aidan O’Brien’s Continuous, who having been supplemented into the contest at a cost of 120,000 euros, was unable to add this middle-distance showpiece to the St Leger success he claimed at Doncaster.
The Ballydoyle team are now eyeing some overseas adventures with the son of Heart’s Cry later in the year.
O’Brien said: “We’re very happy. We made the decision to take our time and let him relax.
“They sprinted the last two furlongs, but he wasn’t finished and ran all the way to the line.
“He looks like he wants a strongly run mile-and-a-half so obviously we can look at Japan, Hong King, America and Dubai.
“He’s a very legitimate horse and a ready-made four-year-old. He loves travelling, and the best is yet to come.”
Meanwhile Bay Bridge could be set for a defence of his Champion Stakes crown having faded into sixth after racing keenly in the early stages.
He was just a little free and needs more moisture in the ground” said trainer Sir Michael Stoute.
“If he comes out of it well he could go for another shot at the Champion Stakes.”
The Cleveland Browns will be without Deshaun Watson for their game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday because of an injured right shoulder.
With Watson out, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will make his first NFL start in this key AFC North matchup.
Watson hurt his shoulder in last Sunday's 27-3 win over the Tennessee Titans, and was limited in practice all week.
He warmed up before Cleveland's game against visiting Baltimore, but was ultimately ruled out.
Watson is coming off his best game of the season, throwing for 289 yards with a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions after throwing two TD passes and two picks in Cleveland's first two games of the season.
His absence means the Browns may lean more on the ground game and running back Jerome Ford, though he rushed for just 18 yards on 10 carries last Sunday in his first start following Nick Chubb's season-ending injury.
Thompson-Robinson is a fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA, and appeared in five plays against the Titans, but has yet to attempt a pass.
The Browns and Ravens are each 2-1, and enter Week 4 tied atop the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tom Curry has been tearing into his team-mates on the training field in preparation for his comeback when England complete their World Cup group campaign against Samoa on Saturday.
Curry has played just 179 seconds of the tournament after being sent off for a dangerous tackle in the opener against Argentina, resulting in a two-match ban that ruled him out against Japan and Chile.
It was a frustrating first appearance under Steve Borthwick having missed the Six Nations and last month’s warm-up fixtures because of hamstring and ankle injuries.
Now the high-energy Sale flanker is poised to start England’s final Pool D assignment in Lille with a quarter-final against likely opponents Fiji looming on the horizon.
Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth revealed that Curry was straining at the leash to get his World Cup underway having made his presence felt in practise.
“Tom’s been a menace in training because he’s so good, which means he’s everywhere!” Wigglesworth said.
“He’s incredibly committed and diligent. As you’d expect from the really, really top player that he is, he shows all those traits.
“He’s chomping at the bit and we’re delighted for him that he’s back and raring to go. He won’t hold much back – he’s all action.
“He’s fit as a fiddle and that’s the way he plays – multiple actions in games where he affects the game on both sides of the ball.
“I think we will get the best of Tom Curry in terms of him getting straight into it from the start.
“We’re absolutely delighted to get him back. It was tough for him to come back from that (red card) but he has reacted really well and got stuck into his training.”
Owen Farrell insists the ultra-fit Curry, a world player of the year nominee in 2019, is ready to make his mark on the World Cup.
“Tom’s in a good place. I don’t think there is too much revving up that Tom can do – he is pretty much 100 per cent every time you are out there training,” England’s captain said.
“I’m sure he has got a bit of frustration at not being involved and I’m sure he can’t wait to show what he can do and get out there with the team.”
England secured their quarter-final spot when Japan toppled Argentina on Thursday and progress as pool winners with a match to spare, taking full advantage of being positioned in the easier half of the draw.
When they arrived in France, expectation outside the squad was at an all-time time low amid fears they would fail to emerge from the group, having lost five out of their previous six Tests.
But they have brushed aside Argentina, Japan and Chile and confidence is growing that they can advance deeper into the World Cup.
“So far the team has done well. It is not a massive pat on the back to ourselves because we have still hopefully got a long way to go in this competition. All we are trying to do is focus on what we are doing now,” Farrell said.
“With regards to people writing us off on the outside, that has not been the case in the camp.
“We believe in what we are doing and we have done even when things weren’t going quite as we would have wanted them to.”
Blue Rose Cen bloomed once again at ParisLongchamp as she repelled the challenge of Jackie Oh to win the Prix de l’Opera Longines.
Winner of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane earlier in the season, Blue Rose Cen came unstuck at the hands of the reopposing Al Husn when only fourth in the Nassau at Goodwood while she had to settle for fifth in the Prix Vermeille last month.
However, Christopher Head’s filly regained the winning thread in this 10-furlong contest, although the Aidan O’Brien-trained Jackie Oh made her pull out all the stops.
The pair were neck and neck inside the final furlong, but Blue Rose Cen kept finding a bit extra for Aurelian Lemaitre and shaded the verdict on the line, with Lumiere Rock in third.
Betfair make Blue Rose Cen – who won the Prix Marcel Boussac on last year’s Arc card – a 4-1 chance from 8s for next month’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, and while Head is unsure she will make the trip a four-year-old campaign is on the cards.
He said: “You never know they can be running in the Vermeille and still get it back in the Opera – what a filly.
“For sure she will stay in training at four. She’s nominated for the Breeders’ Cup, but we will have to discuss that.
“My ambition is to one day win the Arc and I’m working on it.”
Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy instead of disappointment after contributing a career-best performance to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy’s singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the biennial contest for the first time as Luke Donald’s side inflicted a seventh straight away defeat on the United States.
Viktor Hovland had put the first point on the board with victory over Collin Morikawa before Jon Rahm birdied the 18th to snatch half a point from the opening contest with world number one Scottie Scheffler.
Patrick Cantlay then held off a battling Justin Rose to narrow the gap, but McIlroy defeated World Match Play champion Sam Burns 3&1 and Tyrrell Hatton beat Open champion Brian Harman 3&2 to take Europe to within half a point of victory.
They were made to wait as victories for Brooks Koepka, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele kept the contest alive, but when Tommy Fleetwood won the 16th to go two up with two to play against Rickie Fowler, he was guaranteed the half point required and the celebrations could begin.
McIlroy felt he had let his team-mates down at Whistling Straits after suffering three heavy defeats before beating Schauffele in the singles, after which he broke down in tears during a television interview and admitted he could not wait for a shot at redemption in Rome.
The four-time major winner won his first three matches at Marco Simone but lost the final fourball on Saturday evening and was involved in an angry exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations which spilled over into the car park.
“I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week,” McIlroy said.
“I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.”
McIlroy had to fight back tears before he added: “I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.
“It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”
Rahm admitted he was extremely aware of the significance of his match against Scheffler, who had suffered a 9&7 thrashing alongside Koepka in the Saturday foursomes.
“I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards,” said Rahm, who two-putted from 90 feet for birdie on the 18th after Scheffler hit a clumsy chip over the green.
“I’m sitting looking at my putt (on 18) and the scoreboards are right in my way. So it’s hard not to catch yourself lingering.
“But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores I refocused on the task at hand and played good at end. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”
Rory McIlroy was emotional after earning Europe another vital point on the final day of the Ryder Cup.
The Northern Irishman beat Sam Burns 3&1 as Europe edged towards regaining the cup, his victory all the sweeter after unsavoury scenes on Saturday night.
McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last hole of Saturday’s fourball.
McIlroy and team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick still had birdie putts of their own to halve the hole and the match, but neither was able to convert.
McIlroy was later pictured angrily gesturing towards LaCava before being shepherded into a courtesy car by Shane Lowry.
An emotional McIlroy, when asked about the controversy he was involved in after beating Burns, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week.
“I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.
“I just wanted to win another point for Europe.
“Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.
“It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”
There was no fairytale finale for Frankie Dettori in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, although the weighing-room legend was still able to leave ParisLongchamp with a smile on his face.
His final ride in the mile-and-a-half showpiece came aboard Free Wind, but as the John and Thady Gosden-trained mare was double-figure odds against a hot favourite in Ace Impact, a dream farewell always appeared unlikely.
And so it proved as after travelling well on the heels of the leaders in the early stages, Free Wind found it tough going in the sprint to the line and was left well behind brilliant winner Ace Impact in 13th place.
“I had no pressure today, I didn’t feel it,” said Dettori, who will retire at the end of the year.
“I got a lovely slot behind Westover, I knew he would take me there. When he got to the straight they quickened a little bit and left me there, but I really enjoyed it. The Arc has been a great race for me, it has been a good journey, but I’m bowing out with a smile on my face.”
Dettori, who plans to hang up his saddle after riding at Hong Kong’s International meeting in December, bows out the winner of six Arcs – making him the most successful rider in the race’s glorious history.
His first victory came aboard Lammtarra in 1995, with Sakhee’s six-length demolition job in 2001 quickly followed by Marienbard’s unexpected victory a year later.
However, Dettori then had to wait until 2015 when he produced a peach of a ride from a wide draw on Golden Horn, before Enable completed a double in 2017 and 2018, sealing her status as one of the best racemares of all time.
Dettori entered the stalls for the Arc on no less than 34 occasions and could reflect with satisfaction on his final spin.
He added: “This morning I was sad, but now that I have got going a bit I can feel the adrenaline kicking in and the competition. I will miss it, for sure.
“It’s all been great, six Arc wins, what can you say? I’ve ridden some great champions and riding in it 34 times is a record in itself.”
1544 – “We has a good match. I played pretty much perfect through 10 holes and then played a bit shaky. I convinced myself I was tired (and it was) not nerves,” Homa told Sky Sports. “I had an opportunity to have a putt to keep this thing going and I saw so much red on the board I knew my match would matter. I’m very proud of myself. We were in a massive hole and we are fighting ourselves out of it slowly but surely.” Lowry gave Europe renewed hope by getting his match against Spieth back to all-square – the first time he had not been behind – after the American bogeyed the 14th.
1537 –What a shot from Straka! Justin Thomas is now just 1UP in their match after a stunning chip from the Austrian.
1533 – Koepka, who was bogey-free all day, closed out a 3&2 victory having never been behind. But all the attention was on the last hole where Fitzpatrick chipped his third to 15ft and Homa had to take a penalty drop for an unplayable lie in heavy rough. After taking a long time to assess his shot options he flopped to six feet past the hole and when Fitzpatrick missed his birdie attempt the American held his nerve to keep the Ryder Cup alive.
1522 – “More relief to be honest. I had lost my last two singles at my previous Ryder Cups so I really wanted to go and win a point today and it felt amazing. You saw my reaction when my match finished,” said Hatton, who claimed three-and-a-half points from four in Rome. It’s so hard to win one point. I’ve played some all right golf in the previous two and you could argue my record doesn’t look great but it’s hard when you are playing the best players in the world. It looks like it’s going to be close. Hopefully we can get over the line.”
1517 – Homa missed a three-footer at the 16th hole – at which both he and Fitzpatrick drove into the water – which would have put him two up with two to play. Hatton splashed out of a bunker to within a couple of feet for birdie at that hole and when Harman could not follow him in from 15ft Europe had 14 points and were within half-a-point of victory. But with the USA leading the next four matches and Fleetwood only one up and Robert MacIntyre two up in the the last two games it was looking at potentially being a long wait unless Fitzpatrick could win the 18th.
1515 – Europe are just half a point away!
Hatton makes it 14-7 with a 3&2 victory against Harman.
1509 – An emotional McIlroy, asked about the controversy he was involved in on Saturday night, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies. I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me. It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”
1502 – Another point for Europe. One and a half to go. McIlroy hit his tee shot to 10 foot at the par-three 17th with Burns on the right fringe and when he did not hole his chip he conceded for a 3&1 win for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy was fighting back tears in his interview after his victory.
1455 – Rose’s comeback came up short as Cantlay birdied the 17th to secure a 2&1 triumph.
1450 – Rahm told Sky Sports: “I played really good golf. I just made two mistakes on three and 11. We’ve had a couple of good matches, he is a heck of a competitor. I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards. But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores refocused on the task at hand. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”
1445 – Another incredible putt from Rose put the pressure on Cantlay, who held his nerve to keep his one-shot advantage in tact.
1436 – Fleetwood Mac! Fleetwood chips in from a bunker on the ninth to move one ahead against Rickie Fowler. McIlroy’s three up with three to play versus Burns. Another point heading to Europe?
1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.
1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.
1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”
1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.
1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.
1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.
1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.
1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.
1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.
1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.
1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.
1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.
Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.
1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!
1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.
But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.
1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.
1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.
Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.
1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.
1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.
1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.
1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.
That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!
1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.
1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.
1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.
Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”
1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?
Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.
1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.
1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.
1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.
1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”
1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.
1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.
Ace Impact once again displayed his sensational turn of foot as he sprinted to glory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
Unbeaten in five previous runs for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, the Prix du Jockey Club winner was trying his hand at 12 furlongs for the first time in the European middle-distance championship.
Employing his usual waiting tactics, Cristian Demuro settled Ace Impact – who got very worked up in the paddock beforehand – at the back of the field before unleashing his electrifying burst in the closing stages to overhaul the gallant Westover and pull away for an impressive triumph.
1517 –Homa missed a three-footer at the 16th hole – at which both he and Fitzpatrick drove into the water – which would have put him two up with two to play. Hatton splashed out of a bunker to within a couple of feet for birdie at that hole and when Harman could not follow him in from 15ft Europe had 14 points and were within half-a-point of victory. But with the USA leading the next four matches and Fleetwood only one up and Robert MacIntyre two up in the the last two games it was looking at potentially being a long wait unless Fitzpatrick could win the 18th.
1515 –Europe are just half a point away!
Hatton makes it 14-7 with a 3&2 victory against Harman.
1509 – An emotional McIlroy, asked about the controversy he was involved in on Saturday night, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies. I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me. It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”
1502 – Another point for Europe. One and a half to go. McIlroy hit his tee shot to 10 foot at the par-three 17th with Burns on the right fringe and when he did not hole his chip he conceded for a 3&1 win for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy was fighting back tears in his interview after his victory.
1455 – Rose’s comeback came up short as Cantlay birdied the 17th to secure a 2&1 triumph.
1450 – Rahm told Sky Sports: “I played really good golf. I just made two mistakes on three and 11. We’ve had a couple of good matches, he is a heck of a competitor. I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards. But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores refocused on the task at hand. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”
1445 – Another incredible putt from Rose put the pressure on Cantlay, who held his nerve to keep his one-shot advantage in tact.
1436 – Fleetwood Mac! Fleetwood chips in from a bunker on the ninth to move one ahead against Rickie Fowler. McIlroy’s three up with three to play versus Burns. Another point heading to Europe?
1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.
1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.
1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”
1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.
1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.
1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.
1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.
1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.
1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.
1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.
1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.
1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.
Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.
1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!
1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.
But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.
1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.
1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.
Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.
1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.
1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.
1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.
1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.
That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!
1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.
1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.
1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.
Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”
1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?
Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.
1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.
1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.
1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.
1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”
1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.
1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.
Europe drew first blood on the final day as the 44th Ryder Cup headed for a tense climax at Marco Simone.
The home side’s 10.5 to 5.5 overnight lead meant they needed just four more points to regain the trophy and Viktor Hovland edged them closer to the target with a comfortable 4&3 victory over Collin Morikawa in match two.
Scottie Scheffler then looked set to edge out Jon Rahm in a high-quality opening match as he took a narrow lead to the 18th, but hit a clumsy chip from the front of the green and could not match Rahm’s nerveless two-putt birdie from 90 feet.
That half point made the overall score 12-6 and eased the nerves of Europe captain Luke Donald, who could see the United States ahead in six of the remaining 10 matches.
Rory McIlroy looked on course to close out a win over Sam Burns, with Tyrrell Hatton also in the driving seat against Open champion Brian Harman.
But Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth were all ahead in the next four matches, meaning the bottom two matches were beginning to look increasingly important.
Fortunately for European fans, Tommy Fleetwood was one up on Rickie Fowler at the turn and Robert MacIntyre two up on US Open champion Wyndham Clark in the anchor match.
1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.
1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.
1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”
1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.
1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.
1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.
1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.
1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.
1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.
1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.
1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.
1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.
Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.
1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!
1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.
But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.
1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.
1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.
Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.
1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.
1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.
1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.
1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.
That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!
1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.
1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.
1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.
Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”
1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?
Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.
1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.
1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.
1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.
1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”
1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.
1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.
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