Ryder Cup: Europe lead USA 9.5-2.5 after Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg smash record win in Rome | Golf News

Rory McIlroy made it three wins from three as he partnered Tommy Fleetwood to victory over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth; Max Homa and Brian Harman earn first full point for Team USA; Watch the Ryder Cup this weekend live on Sky Sports, with singles starting on Sunday at 10.35am

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Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka were beaten 9&7 by Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg in the Saturday foursomes at the Ryder Cup in Rome, a record defeat in the competition

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg inflicted an embarrassing defeat on Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka as Team Europe built a record-breaking lead over Team USA in the Saturday foursomes at the Ryder Cup.

Luke Donald’s side held a five-point lead after an unbeaten opening day at Marco Simone GC, where Europe produced a clean sweep in the foursomes and came out on top in the foursomes, with the hosts staying in control of the biennial contest after winning another session on Saturday morning to open up a 9.5-2.5 advantage.

Hovland and Åberg thrashed the American duo 9&7, the largest margin of victory in any 18-hole match in Ryder Cup history and a result that reduced Scheffler to tears, with the prospect of a second sweep in as many days briefly looking a possibility as Team USA’s struggles continued.

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World number one Scottie Scheffler was in tears after he and Brooks Koepka suffered a record 9&7 loss to Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland

Max Homa and Brian Harman claimed the first full point of the contest for Zach Johnson’s team after despatching Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka 4&2, before Rory McIlroy made it three wins from three as he partnered Tommy Fleetwood to defeat Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 2&1.

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton saw a three-hole lead slip in the final match against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele before a stunning tee shot at the par-three 17th from the Masters champions helped the European pair to a 2up victory, with the win ensuring that Donald’s side take a seven-point lead into the afternoon fourballs.

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Jordan Spieth complained about a photographer disturbing his swing after he hit his approach on the fifth hole.

The lead equals the largest after three sessions in Ryder Cup history and leaves Europe requiring five more points to regain the Ryder Cup, while Team USA are on the brink of extending their losing streak on away soil.

More to follow…

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