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US Expands On Ryder Lead

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 19, 2008 6:00 PM CDT
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(AP) – The Americans have built their biggest opening-day lead at the Ryder Cup in nearly 3 decades, losing only one match today to go up 5 1/2-2 1/2 over defending champion Europe, the AP reports. Justin Leonard and Ryder Cup rookie Hunter Mahan won both their matches. Phil Mickelson teamed with another rookie, Anthony Kim, to halve a morning match and win a full point in the afternoon.

Ian Poulter and Justin Rose provided the only win for the Europeans, beating Steve Stricker and Ben Curtis 4 and 2. Otherwise, the day belonged to the Americans, who had four outright wins and halved three other matches. The United States has its largest today lead since 1979, the first year all Europeans were allowed to compete.

Europe's Miguel Angel Jimenez hits out of a trap during their four-ball match at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
Europe's Miguel Angel Jimenez hits out of a trap during their four-ball match at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Chris O'Meara)
USA's J.B. Holmes is congratulated by his playing partner Boo Weekley at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
USA's J.B. Holmes is congratulated by his playing partner Boo Weekley at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Chris O'Meara)
Europe's Sergio Garcia hits out of a trap on the 16th hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
Europe's Sergio Garcia hits out of a trap on the 16th hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Rob Carr)
Europe's Sergio Garcia watches his second shot on the seventh hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
Europe's Sergio Garcia watches his second shot on the seventh hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Rob Carr)
United States team captain Paul Azinger, left, chats with J.B. Holmes during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
United States team captain Paul Azinger, left, chats with J.B. Holmes during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Rob Carr)
USA's Phil Mickelson, left, congratulates his teammate Anthony Kim after their opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
USA's Phil Mickelson, left, congratulates his teammate Anthony Kim after their opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Ed Reinke)
Europe team captain Nick Faldo takes notes on the 13th hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
Europe team captain Nick Faldo takes notes on the 13th hole during the opening round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (Morry Gash)
USA's Phil Mickelson reacts after making a birdie putt during their four-ball match at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
USA's Phil Mickelson reacts after making a birdie putt during their four-ball match at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.   (David J. Phillip)
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