Paul McGinley¿s gutsy par in near darkness on the 18th hole at The Belfry ensured Europe and America go into the final round singles of the 34th Ryder Cup level on eight points apiece, after a day of high drama not to be recommended for the feint hearted.
At 3.30 p.m. this afternoon the mammoth leaderboards plotted around the Brabazon course were pleasing on the eye, if looking from a European perspective. The overwhelming blue digits suggested Sam Torrance's Trojans would take no less than a two point lead into the singles.
But cometh the hour, cometh the men as Curtis Strange's warriors dug deep under the watchful eye of former US President George Bush to ensure the drama starts all over again tomorrow on an even keel.
The most dramatic turnaround of the day was accomplished by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods who overcame the seemingly untouchable pairing of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in the afternoon fourballs. The Europeans were one up with two to play and with El Nino the only one to make the par five 17th in two, it all looked a formality as Woods' Ryder Cup record was ready for another pounding.
Instead Garcia uncharacteristically three-putted as Love chipped in from the fringe to level the match. None of the four played the 18th too cleverly but Love's six-footer for par left Westwood with a slick four foot left-to-right putt to halve the match. After immaculate preparation and consideration, the Englishman forced it passed the left side, and in doing so, ended Garcia's unbeaten run in fourball competition in this unique event.
"We were fortunate to come out on top of that game. It was great inspiration for us to see Calc (Calcavecchia) and David (Duval) get the first points on the board," said Love after his partner gained some revenge when carding nine birdies of his own. "I still didn't help Tiger as much as I could have today," reflected Love.
Love also justified their decision for sticking to their game plan and not going for the 10th green when both European players had reached from the tee: "We stuck to our game plan and figured we could still make three, it was just our wedge shots which let us down."
It must be mentioned that a `spat' of sorts followed this match as many of the Americans onlookers inside the ropes spilled over onto the 18th to celebrate, much to Garcia's dissatisfaction, But in truth, it was only a release of emotion on a day of high drama for all concerned. Nothing like the Brookline incident.
David Duval later summed up the crowds as he saw it from an American perspective playing on foreign shores: "I would describe the crowds as biased and respectful, that's what you have to respect in this match," he explained suggesting the home crowds were louder, just like the Americans would be if they were playing in home soil.
Within an hour of the dramatic Woods/Love turnaround the two Irishmen bringing up the rear looked as though their chances of contributing had faltered. McGinley playing alongside the massive frame of Darren Clarke secured a vital half-point after being two-down with five to play against Scott Hoch and Jim Furyk.
Furyk had knocked it within four feet at the short 14th and looked sure to go three up, that was until Clarke pitched in and the American failed to convert from short range. McGinley then birdied the 15th and 16th to square the match before the Hoch birdied the 17th to take a one hole lead up the last. The ending was left to McGinley as he was the only player to make par at the last for a share of the points.
In the afternoon's other games Padraig Harrington returned to winning ways, thanks largely to his playing partner and European rock Colin Montgomerie. Not only was the Scot visibly enjoying life in the spotlight, his exemplary golf has earned him three-and-a-half points out of a possible four in this campaign as they defeated Phil Mickelson and David Toms 2&1.
Jesper Parnevik and Niclas Fasth flattered to deceive in the top game, eventually falling by one hole to Calcavecchia and Duval. The Swedish duo let a three hole lead after seven holes dissolve under the Americans persistent pressure.
After the morning foursomes were halved 2-2, the Europeans maintained their one point lead with high expectations of surging further ahead with arguably their strongest discipline, Fourball, yet to come. But you can't write scripts for this type of entertainment and drama.
And with the immediate announcement of tomorrow's singles Torrance held a late press conference. The Scot was asked how he felt about the draw and more importantly what he thought of Strange's decision to play Woods at the end.
"They may have a Tiger, but I have 12 lions," he said confidently of his players and their outstanding performances over the first two days.
Not since Oakhill in 1995 has a European side went out and won the final day singles to lift the trophy. If Sam's men are to fulfill their dreams that's what it has to take against Strange's more than determined Americans.
Sunday singles
11.15 Hoch v Montgomerie
11.16 Toms v Garcia
11.17 Duval v Clarke
11.18 Sutton v Langer
12.03 Calcavecchia v Harrington
12.15 Cink v Bjorn
12.27 Verplank v Westwood
12.39 Azinger v Fasth
12.51 Furyk v McGinley
13.03 Love III v Fulke
13.15 Mickelson v Price
13.27 Woods v Parnevik