Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE: Day 3 scores and updates as McIlroy helps Europe hold off USA comeback to secure victory
Europe saw off a late thrilling late fightback from the USA to get over the line
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Your support makes all the difference.Europe have won the Ryder Cup after holding off a late fightback to defeat USA 16.5-11.5 on a dramatic final day of singles at Marco Simone.
The Europeans were led from the front by an inspired Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, who put captain Luke Donald’s side on the verge of victory.
But the Americans showed fight and character with the middle of the leaderboard turning into a sea of red, forcing Europe to hold their nerve and close it out.
After Max Homa denied Matt Fitzpatrick, who missed a putt to clinch the cup, the winning half-point was secured by Tommy Fleetwood down the stretch, getting Europe past the magic 14.5 mark with his victory over Rickie Fowler. And the final match was left to Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, with the American snatching a half surrounded by chaos on the 18th as joyous European fans started the party in Rome.
Follow all the reaction and latest updates from Rome as Europe win the Ryder Cup.
Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa
Back to the first tee for match two. Morikawa sporting the no-cap look reportedly in solidarity with teammate Patrick Cantlay after yesterday’s reports.
Regardless, it’s not the start he would have wanted as his drive goes way left into the fans. He might have an alright lie but a far cry from Hovland whose in fine position on the right side of the fairway.
Perfect start for Europe
1UP Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler (1)
First shots into the green. Rahm gives himself a good look, Scheffler in just a bit further back.
And it’s a nervy first putt from the World No.1. Left well short and hardly a positive sign.
Rahm, then, with a putt for the first hole...right in the heart! The perfect start for Europe as Rahm goes 1UP on the first.
Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler
Two excellent tee shots - straight down the middle.
The perfect way to get today under way. Let the carnage begin.
Here they come
Scheffler is first out to a few boos. Rahm follows him out to a chorus of cheers.
US have to get red on the board early.
Record comeback required
A reminder of the task awaiting America - a record turnaround on finals day.
Twice - in 1999 and 2012 - has a team comeback from a four-point deficit on Sunday singles.
The US trail by five coming into today. A truly historic feat should they pull off the unthinkable.
Match 11, 12:35pm: Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler
Donald will want early points to wrap this up as quickly as possible but the experience of Fleetwood has been kept in reserve as a contingency plan should things go awry. In the penultimate match, he has a favourable match-up against Fowler, who was rested all of Saturday amidst reports he was suffering from illness.
Europe will hope it doesn’t come down to that.
Match 7, 11:47am: Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka
The young rookie Aberg was brought back down to earth yesterday afternoon with defeat in the fourballs but it’s still been a hugely impressive debut performance.
Koepka is yet to win a match so far this week but will be keen to bounce back after Aberg and Hovland thrashed him and Scheffler on Saturday morning.
Match 4, 11:11am: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns
A really intriguing match, this one. Burns showed some signs off live with a big win in his fourballs match yesterday but he’s up against the Northern Irishman who will be fired up beyond belief after the way yesterday finished and those scenes in the car park that made their way onto social media.
Match 3, 10:59am: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay
Justin Rose has had a superb tournament so far playing alongside Robert MacIntyre in the fourballs. Today he’s got the role in a crucial early match against he pantomime villain Patrick Cantlay. Rumours were swirling yesterday about the American and he’s destined for a frosty reception out on the first tee just before 11.
It was a stellar finish to his round yesterday, though, with three birdies in the final three to secure a point for USA. He’ll need a similarly strong performance to best the experienced Englishman in this one.
Match 1, 10:35am: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler
Opening up is The Masters champ vs the World No.1. Both were rested yesterday afternoon but Scheffler will have some demons to exercise after his humiliating 9&7 defeat alongside Koepka on Saturday morning.
These two faced off in 2021 when then-rookie Scheffler comfortably beat Rahm. The Spaniard will no doubt be out for revenge as he eyes an early point for Europe.
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