Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari created Ryder Cup history and inflicted yet another demoralising defeat on Tiger Woods to inspire Europe to a 10-6 lead at Le Golf National.
Debutant Fleetwood and Open champion Molinari combined for their fourth win of the contest on Saturday, a feat never previously achieved by a European pair, and a victory for either in Sunday’s singles would complete the first 5-0 record by a European player.
Having brushed aside Woods and Patrick Reed 4&3 in the morning fourballs, Fleetwood and Molinari dispatched Woods and Bryson DeChambeau 5&4 in a foursomes session which was shared 2-2 to maintain the home side’s four-point cushion.
Woods has now lost his last seven foursome or fourball matches in the contest and the 14-time major winner’s total of 20 defeats is just one behind the record of Phil Mickelson, who was left out of the entire day’s play.
Shot of the day
Two down with four holes to play against Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka needed to produce something special and did precisely that with a brilliant approach to the treacherous 15th.
Moment of the day
Rory McIlroy had seemingly been reminded of his debatable putting skills before facing a birdie attempt on third to remain two up on Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, something he did not appreciate.
Statistic of the day
The 10-6 scoreline evoked memories of famous comebacks at Brookline in 1999 and Medinah in 2012, but overall the odds are firmly against a repeat in Paris.
Quote of the day
“All the records are for nothing if we don’t win the cup back” – Molinari after he and Fleetwood became the first European pair to compile a 4-0 record in the Ryder Cup.
Tweet of the day
Francesco’s brother Edoardo was quick to enjoy the morning victory over Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed, who earned the nickname ‘Captain America’ after star performances in the last two contests.
What’s next?
Twelve singles matches on Sunday, starting at 1105 BST. Europe need four and half points to regain the trophy, while the United States need eight and a half for an outright win or eight to retain the cup with a 14-14 tie.
