Ryder Cup set for last-day drama

Europe took a stranglehold on a weather-disrupted Ryder Cup yesterday, seizing a potentially decisive three-point lead over the US to set up a historic finale today.

The Europeans crushed the Americans in the third session, winning 5½ points out of the six on offer to turn a two-point overnight deficit into a comfortable lead heading into today's climactic singles.

Europe, leading 9½ to 6½, now need only five points from the 12 available today to win back the trophy they lost at Valhalla in 2008.

Play will go into a fourth day for the first time in the biennial showpiece's 83-year history after torrential rain deluged Celtic Manor earlier yesterday, wiping out six hours of playing time.

When play finally resumed, Europe immediately managed to regenerate the momentum that had swept them into leads in all six matches on Saturday, rapidly overhauling the Americans' overnight lead.

Lee Westwood and Luke Donald produced some superb golf to beat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker six and five, a one-sided rout of the star American pair that had watching skipper Montgomerie beaming with delight.

The European duo, starting the day at four up, reeled off three consecutive birdies - including one extraordinary 40-foot putt from Westwood - before closing out comfortably to win the match.

Woods and Stricker - unbeaten in six previous matches together - were left to reflect on the heaviest Ryder Cup defeat in foursomes for 15 years.

In the other foursomes match, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy hung on to defeat Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan three and one to give Europe their second point of the day and level the overall scoreboard at 6-6.

McIlroy wrapped up the win by draining a birdie putt on the par three 17th to deafening roars from the gallery.

The four fourballs ended up being tighter affairs but Europe held their nerve to win three out of four.

Padraig Harrington of Ireland and rookie Ross Fisher beat Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson three and one.

Sweden's Peter Hanson and Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez defeated Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton by two up in their fourball to give Europe an 8-6 lead.

Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer then defeated Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler two and one to extend the lead to 9-6.

It appeared for a while that the Americans would be able to register at least one victory, when Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar led by one hole going down the 18th against Italian brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari.

However, Francesco Molinari hit an astonishing approach to set up a birdie four and grab an unlikely half for the Europeans.