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Europe take record lead over United States into last day of Ryder Cup

Matt Fitzpatrick of Team Europe celebrates
Matt Fitzpatrick of Team Europe celebratesDavid Davies, PA Images / Alamy / Profimedia

Europe seized a record 11.5-4.5 lead over the United States entering Sunday's final day of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black after going 3-1 in Saturday's four-ball matches.

The largest previous lead entering singles in the current format was 11-5 by the Americans in 2021 and Europe in 2004.

Europe shook off over-the-top hecklers in the New York crowd to seize command, needing only two wins and a draw from Sunday's 12 concluding singles matches to retain the Cup.

The Americans must reach 14.5 points to reclaim the trophy.

Tensions rose in Saturday's four-balls (best ball) matches.

World number two Rory McIlroy, who cursed at hecklers as they tried to distract him while putting, joined Shane Lowry for a 2-up win over Americans Justin Thomas and Cam Young.

England's Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau 3&2, making Scheffler the first US player to start a Ryder Cup 0-4.

Rose got into a spat with Bryson DeChambeau's caddie, Greg Bodine, on the 15th green, but Rose called it a misunderstanding that was settled.

US Open champion J.J. Spaun birdied the last two holes to combine with fellow American Xander Schauffele for a 1-up victory over Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka. It was Rahm's first Cup pairs loss since 2018.

Tyrrell Hatton, a late replacement for injured Viktor Hovland, birdied the last for a 1-up victory with Matt Fitzpatrick over Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay.

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