US edges Ryder Cup opening round

The US team has taken a slight advantage over Europe with the weather-delayed fourball matches were finally completed at the Ryder Cup.

Europe drew first blood when Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer beat Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson 3&2 in the top match.

After a deluge on Friday it was a glorious, sun-splashed morning at Celtic Manor and Overton in particular was in fine form, reeling off four consecutive birdies from the ninth.

World number one Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker won a tight match against British duo Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher two up after Stricker was conceded a birdie putt at the par-five last.

Stewart Cink and rookie Matt Kuchar, who had been two up after 12 holes, finished all square against Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. McIlroy rolled in a curling 30-footer to birdie the par-three 17th and keep the match alive.

Rookie pairing, Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton, wrapped up a 3&2 victory over Europe's big guns Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington as the Cup holders established an overall lead of 2-1/2 points to 1-1/2.

Organisers of the biennial team competition have amended the format in a bid to make up for lost time after the first suspension of play since 1997.

A revamped second session will feature six foursomes while a new extended third session will comprise two foursomes and four fourball encounters - both involving all 12 players.