Monty/Harrington win again

Love/Funk v Montgomerie/Harrington
(Europe won 4&2)

Photos: Ryder Cup day one

Europe's Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington won their second match of the day by beating Davis Love and Fred Funk 4&2 in the afternoon foursomes.

The duo, who stunned Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the fourballs, went ahead at the first hole after Monty's sublime approach set up Harrington.

The Irishman returned the favour at the sixth and the in-form duo went on to surge four clear after 11 holes.

The Americans pulled one back but could do no more and the match ended on 16.

Montgomerie, proving to be Europe's talisman once again despite only being a wildcard pick, produced arguably the shot of the day at the eighth hole.

Stuck in a daunting position in the semi-rough at the back of the hole, Monty clipped a stunning chip across and down the treacherous green to within inches of the cup.

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"I had a difficult chip but it was just one shot of many," he said. "I didn't have much room to play with - it just happened to work out.

"It was a difficult shot but it definitely gave us momentum and nine and 10 went our way and that was the match," he said.

"We have had a great day and Europe have had a great day. We are going in ahead this evening and we will have a great team meeting later on," he added.

The 41-year-old, playing in his seventh Ryder Cup match, surpassed one of Seve Ballesteros' records when he teed off.

The Scot has played in every possible round of fourballs, foursomes and singles since Kiawah Island in 1991 - a run of 29 straight matches.

Harrington expects the United States to come roaring back on Saturday after Europe raced into a 6½-1½ lead.

The 33-year-old, the holders' highest ranked player in the event, was in the 1999 team which squandered a 6-2 first-day lead.

"We are now in a situation for the US team to come back at us so it's going to be a very difficult day on Saturday.

"They are going to have something to prove and will come out with all guns blazing," said Harrington.