Emotional European captain Luke Donald reflected on a “stressful” afternoon after his team got over the line to regain the Ryder Cup.

Europe held off a spirited display from the United States in Sunday’s singles to clinch a memorable 16.5-11.5 triumph in Rome.

Tommy Fleetwood’s 3&1 win over Rickie Fowler ultimately sealed victory, one which had looked likely since Europe’s 4-0 whitewash in the foursomes on Friday morning.

Donald said: “Pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, it’s been an amazing journey and I enjoyed this one.

“It was stressful. The US put up a fight today and hats off to them. Unbelievable, but I’m so proud of my 12 guys.

“We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.

“It started off great, we got off to great start, we needed some blue on the board early and a few matches changed to red and you kept looking at the board and thinking ‘Where are we going to find 14.5 points?’ but we always had some guys at the back who looked good.”

Asked where it ranked in his career, Donald said: “This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys because of these moments.

“We play for each other, we get to share in that success together and we get to spend this week together and we will have those memories forever.

“I gave them a good culture to succeed, hopefully I laid out a good plan in how I thought they were going to win and then it was staying out of the way. They had to play well and they did the job, I’m happy they trusted me.

“In historic Rome we made history today.”

Donald believes his team proved the doubters wrong following their 19-9 defeat in America two years ago, saying: “Not many people gave us a chance after Whistling Straits.

“We were big underdogs, we started to show some form in the last six months and I couldn’t be happier with with the team I’ve got and I think these guys will be around for a long time.”

Fleetwood added: “I (feel) relief, pride, joy. I’m proud of everyone who has been involved this week and am proud I am just one of the people who gets to play a role in what we came here to do.

“Luke is amazing. We are all so proud of him. From when this whole process started he has been so good.

“The way he has been this week has been phenomenal and we look at Luke on another level. I’m so pleased we could do it for him.”

Robert MacIntyre closed out a 2&1 victory over Wyndham Clark while Shane Lowry lost the last hole to halve with Jordan Spieth.

Lowry told Sky Sports: “It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve in this game.

“We didn’t get much confidence from Whistling Straits so I’m so proud of my team.

“It’s been the greatest week of my life. I’ve been so lucky to do what I have in the game but the last two hours have been the most stressful two hours of my life.

“Thankfully Tommy did the business and the rest was just a celebration from there.”

Beaten US captain Zach Johnson was in floods of tears after his side’s defeat.

Struggling to get out his words, Johnson told NBC: “I think the Europeans played phenomenal golf. It really is that simple.

“My guys showed true heart and grit, a lot of character. They played for each other and I love them, but hats off to Luke.

“They played great and they were very impressive. I think we got outplayed.

“I’m proud of my guys, they fought. It’s not them, it’s on me. Maybe it’s some poor decisions, something to reflect (on). I don’t know yet.

“I don’t have the brainwaves to function right now. I’ll reflect on this and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will diagnose every little bit of it.

“I’m not making excuses, Europe outplayed us and they earned it.”

Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy instead of despair after contributing a career-best performance to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome.

McIlroy’s singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the biennial contest for the first time as Luke Donald’s side inflicted a seventh straight away defeat on the United States.

Donald, who played on four winning sides and was ranked world number one, hailed the win as the biggest achievement of his career.

“This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys, because of these moments,” Donald said.

Viktor Hovland had put the first point on the board with victory over Collin Morikawa before Jon Rahm birdied the 18th to snatch half a point from the opening contest with world number one Scottie Scheffler.

Patrick Cantlay then held off a battling Justin Rose to narrow the gap, but McIlroy defeated World Match Play champion Sam Burns 3&1 and Tyrrell Hatton beat Open champion Brian Harman 3&2 to take Europe to within half a point of glory.

They were made to wait as victories for Brooks Koepka, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele kept the contest alive, but when Tommy Fleetwood won the 16th to go two up with two to play against Rickie Fowler, he was guaranteed the half-point required and the celebrations could begin.

Fleetwood duly completed the win and Robert MacIntyre also defeated US Open champion Wyndham Clark before Shane Lowry halved his match with Jordan Spieth to make the final score 16.5 to 11.5.

“I really didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,” Fleetwood said. I’m quite relieved, I have to say.

“I’m just so happy to play a part in it, although it was a bit bigger part than I thought it was when I saw the draw. The landscape has changed a bit for Team Europe but I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do this with.

“It’s been so amazing. We are just one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime.”

McIlroy felt he had let his team-mates down at Whistling Straits after suffering three heavy defeats before beating Schauffele in the singles, after which he broke down in tears during a television interview and admitted he could not wait for a shot at redemption in Rome.

McIlroy won his first three matches at Marco Simone but lost the final fourball on Saturday evening and was involved in an angry exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations on the 18th green which spilled over into the car park.

“Walking off the 18th yesterday was probably the angriest I’ve ever been in my career,” McIlroy told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I said it to the US guys, I thought it was disgraceful what went on and I made that clear.

“I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.”

McIlroy had to fight back tears before he added: “I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.

“It’s a great bounce-back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”

Rahm admitted he was extremely aware of the significance of his match against Scheffler, who had suffered a 9&7 thrashing alongside Koepka in the Saturday foursomes.

“I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards,” said Rahm, who two-putted from 90 feet for birdie on the 18th after Scheffler hit a clumsy chip over the green.

“I’m sitting looking at my putt (on 18) and the scoreboards are right in my way. So it’s hard not to catch yourself lingering.

“But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores, I refocused on the task at hand and played good at end. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”

Europe regained the Ryder Cup on Sunday with a final score of 16.5-11.5 at Marco Simone.

Here the PA news agency takes a look at some of the best images from the finale.

Captain Luke Donald revealed his emotions after Europe swept to Ryder Cup victory.

Europe regained the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome, with a 16.5-11.5 win over the USA.

Tommy Fleetwood’s 3&1 win over Rickie Fowler ultimately sealed victory on Sunday, one which had looked likely since Europe’s 4-0 whitewash in the foursomes on Friday morning.

Donald said: “Pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, it’s been an amazing journey and I enjoyed this one.

“It was stressful. The US put up a fight today and hats off to them. Unbelievable, but I’m so proud of my 12 guys.

“We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.

“It started off great, we got off to great start, we needed some blue on the board early and a few matches changed to red and you kept looking at the board and thinking ‘Where are we going to find 14.5 points?’ but we always had some guys at the back who looked good.”

Asked where it ranked in his career, Donald added: “This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys because of these moments.

“We play for each other, we get to share in that success together and we get to spend this week together and we will have those memories forever.

“I gave them a good culture to succeed, hopefully I laid out a good plan in how I thought they were going to win and then it was staying out of the way. They had to play well and they did the job, I’m happy they trusted me.

“In historic Rome we made history today.”

Donald believes his team proved the doubters wrong following their 19-9 defeat in America two years ago, saying: “Not many people gave us a chance after Whistling Straits.

“We were big underdogs, we started to show some form in the last six months and I couldn’t be happier with with the team I’ve got and I think these guys will be around for a long time.”

Fleetwood added: “I (feel) relief, pride, joy. I’m proud of everyone who has been involved this week and am proud I am just one of the people who gets to play a role in what we came here to do.

“Luke is amazing. We are all so proud of him. From when this whole process started he has been so good.

“The way he has been this week has been phenomenal and we look at Luke on another level. I’m so pleased we could do it for him.”

Robert MacIntyre closed out a 2&1 victory over Wyndham Clark while Shane Lowry lost the last hole to halve with Jordan Spieth.

Lowry told Sky Sports: “It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve in this game.

“We didn’t get much confidence from Whistling Straits so I’m so proud of my team.

“It’s been the greatest week of my life. I’ve been so lucky to do what I have in the game but the last two hours have been the most stressful two hours of my life.

“Thankfully Tommy did the business and the rest was just a celebration from there.”

Beaten US captain Zach Johnson was in floods of tears after his side’s defeat.

Struggling to get out his words, Johnson told NBC: “I think the Europeans played phenomenal golf. It really is that simple.

“My guys showed true heart and grit, a lot of character. They played for each other and I love them, but hats off to Luke.

“They played great and they were very impressive. I think we got outplayed.

“I’m proud of my guys, they fought. It’s not them, it’s on me. Maybe it’s some poor decisions, something to reflect (on). I don’t know yet.

“I don’t have the brainwaves to function right now. I’ll reflect on this and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will diagnose every little bit of it.

“I’m not making excuses, Europe outplayed us and they earned it.”

Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy instead of disappointment after contributing a career-best performance to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy’s singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the biennial contest for the first time as Luke Donald’s side inflicted a seventh straight away defeat on the United States.

Viktor Hovland had put the first point on the board with victory over Collin Morikawa before Jon Rahm birdied the 18th to snatch half a point from the opening contest with world number one Scottie Scheffler.

Patrick Cantlay then held off a battling Justin Rose to narrow the gap, but McIlroy defeated World Match Play champion Sam Burns 3&1 and Tyrrell Hatton beat Open champion Brian Harman 3&2 to take Europe to within half a point of victory.

They were made to wait as victories for Brooks Koepka, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele kept the contest alive, but when Tommy Fleetwood won the 16th to go two up with two to play against Rickie Fowler, he was guaranteed the half point required and the celebrations could begin.

McIlroy felt he had let his team-mates down at Whistling Straits after suffering three heavy defeats before beating Schauffele in the singles, after which he broke down in tears during a television interview and admitted he could not wait for a shot at redemption in Rome.

The four-time major winner won his first three matches at Marco Simone but lost the final fourball on Saturday evening and was involved in an angry exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations which spilled over into the car park.

“I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week,” McIlroy said.

“I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.”

McIlroy had to fight back tears before he added: “I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.

“It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”

Rahm admitted he was extremely aware of the significance of his match against Scheffler, who had suffered a 9&7 thrashing alongside Koepka in the Saturday foursomes.

“I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards,” said Rahm, who two-putted from 90 feet for birdie on the 18th after Scheffler hit a clumsy chip over the green.

“I’m sitting looking at my putt (on 18) and the scoreboards are right in my way. So it’s hard not to catch yourself lingering.

“But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores I refocused on the task at hand and played good at end. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”

Rory McIlroy was emotional after earning Europe another vital point on the final day of the Ryder Cup.

The Northern Irishman beat Sam Burns 3&1 as Europe edged towards regaining the cup, his victory all the sweeter after unsavoury scenes on Saturday night.

McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last hole of Saturday’s fourball.

McIlroy and team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick still had birdie putts of their own to halve the hole and the match, but neither was able to convert.

McIlroy was later pictured angrily gesturing towards LaCava before being shepherded into a courtesy car by Shane Lowry.

An emotional McIlroy, when asked about the controversy he was involved in after beating Burns, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week.

“I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.

“I just wanted to win another point for Europe.

“Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.

“It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”

1544 – “We has a good match. I played pretty much perfect through 10 holes and then played a bit shaky. I convinced myself I was tired (and it was) not nerves,” Homa told Sky Sports. “I had an opportunity to have a putt to keep this thing going and I saw so much red on the board I knew my match would matter. I’m very proud of myself. We were in a massive hole and we are fighting ourselves out of it slowly but surely.” Lowry gave Europe renewed hope by getting his match against Spieth back to all-square – the first time he had not been behind – after the American bogeyed the 14th.

1537 –What a shot from Straka! Justin Thomas is now just 1UP in their match after a stunning chip from the Austrian.

1533 – Koepka, who was bogey-free all day, closed out a 3&2 victory having never been behind. But all the attention was on the last hole where Fitzpatrick chipped his third to 15ft and Homa had to take a penalty drop for an unplayable lie in heavy rough. After taking a long time to assess his shot options he flopped to six feet past the hole and when Fitzpatrick missed his birdie attempt the American held his nerve to keep the Ryder Cup alive.

1522 – “More relief to be honest. I had lost my last two singles at my previous Ryder Cups so I really wanted to go and win a point today and it felt amazing. You saw my reaction when my match finished,” said Hatton, who claimed three-and-a-half points from four in Rome. It’s so hard to win one point. I’ve played some all right golf in the previous two and you could argue my record doesn’t look great but it’s hard when you are playing the best players in the world. It looks like it’s going to be close. Hopefully we can get over the line.”

1517 – Homa missed a three-footer at the 16th hole – at which both he and Fitzpatrick drove into the water – which would have put him two up with two to play. Hatton splashed out of a bunker to within a couple of feet for birdie at that hole and when Harman could not follow him in from 15ft Europe had 14 points and were within half-a-point of victory. But with the USA leading the next four matches and Fleetwood only one up and Robert MacIntyre two up in the the last two games it was looking at potentially being a long wait unless Fitzpatrick could win the 18th.

1515 – Europe are just half a point away!

Hatton makes it 14-7 with a 3&2 victory against Harman.

1509 – An emotional McIlroy, asked about the controversy he was involved in on Saturday night, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies. I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me. It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”

1502 – Another point for Europe. One and a half to go. McIlroy hit his tee shot to 10 foot at the par-three 17th with Burns on the right fringe and when he did not hole his chip he conceded for a 3&1 win for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy was fighting back tears in his interview after his victory.

1455 – Rose’s comeback came up short as Cantlay birdied the 17th to secure a 2&1 triumph.

1450 – Rahm told Sky Sports: “I played really good golf. I just made two mistakes on three and 11. We’ve had a couple of good matches, he is a heck of a competitor. I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards. But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores refocused on the task at hand. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”

1445 – Another incredible putt from Rose put the pressure on Cantlay, who held his nerve to keep his one-shot advantage in tact.

1436 – Fleetwood Mac! Fleetwood chips in from a bunker on the ninth to move one ahead against Rickie Fowler. McIlroy’s three up with three to play versus Burns. Another point heading to Europe?

1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.

1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.

1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”

1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.

1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.

1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.

1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.

1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.

1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.

1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.

1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.

1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.

Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.

1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!

1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.

But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.

1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.

1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.

Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.

1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.

1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.

1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.

1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.

That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!

1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.

1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.

1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.

Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”

1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?

Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.

1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.

1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.

1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.

1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

1517 –Homa missed a three-footer at the 16th hole – at which both he and Fitzpatrick drove into the water – which would have put him two up with two to play. Hatton splashed out of a bunker to within a couple of feet for birdie at that hole and when Harman could not follow him in from 15ft Europe had 14 points and were within half-a-point of victory. But with the USA leading the next four matches and Fleetwood only one up and Robert MacIntyre two up in the the last two games it was looking at potentially being a long wait unless Fitzpatrick could win the 18th.

1515 –Europe are just half a point away!

Hatton makes it 14-7 with a 3&2 victory against Harman.

1509 – An emotional McIlroy, asked about the controversy he was involved in on Saturday night, told Sky Sports: “I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies. I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there (so) to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me. It’s a great bounce back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team I think will be around for a long time. It’s been a great week for me personally but need to follow them and get them in the house.”

1502 – Another point for Europe. One and a half to go. McIlroy hit his tee shot to 10 foot at the par-three 17th with Burns on the right fringe and when he did not hole his chip he conceded for a 3&1 win for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy was fighting back tears in his interview after his victory.

1455 – Rose’s comeback came up short as Cantlay birdied the 17th to secure a 2&1 triumph.

1450 – Rahm told Sky Sports: “I played really good golf. I just made two mistakes on three and 11. We’ve had a couple of good matches, he is a heck of a competitor. I told myself I wasn’t going to look but it’s hard not to see the scoreboards. But I think I did a really good job at the end. Seeing those scores refocused on the task at hand. Too bad it wasn’t good enough to win but I’ll take a half.”

1445 – Another incredible putt from Rose put the pressure on Cantlay, who held his nerve to keep his one-shot advantage in tact.

1436 – Fleetwood Mac! Fleetwood chips in from a bunker on the ninth to move one ahead against Rickie Fowler. McIlroy’s three up with three to play versus Burns. Another point heading to Europe?

1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.

1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.

1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”

1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.

1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.

1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.

1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.

1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.

1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.

1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.

1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.

1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.

Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.

1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!

1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.

But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.

1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.

1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.

Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.

1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.

1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.

1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.

1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.

That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!

1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.

1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.

1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.

Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”

1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?

Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.

1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.

1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.

1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.

1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

Europe drew first blood on the final day as the 44th Ryder Cup headed for a tense climax at Marco Simone.

The home side’s 10.5 to 5.5 overnight lead meant they needed just four more points to regain the trophy and Viktor Hovland edged them closer to the target with a comfortable 4&3 victory over Collin Morikawa in match two.

Scottie Scheffler then looked set to edge out Jon Rahm in a high-quality opening match as he took a narrow lead to the 18th, but hit a clumsy chip from the front of the green and could not match Rahm’s nerveless two-putt birdie from 90 feet.

That half point made the overall score 12-6 and eased the nerves of Europe captain Luke Donald, who could see the United States ahead in six of the remaining 10 matches.

Rory McIlroy looked on course to close out a win over Sam Burns, with Tyrrell Hatton also in the driving seat against Open champion Brian Harman.

But Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth were all ahead in the next four matches, meaning the bottom two matches were beginning to look increasingly important.

Fortunately for European fans, Tommy Fleetwood was one up on Rickie Fowler at the turn and Robert MacIntyre two up on US Open champion Wyndham Clark in the anchor match.

1430 – Rahm and Scheffler finishes all square. Did the pressure get to Scheffler? He hit a chip through the green and when Rahm rolled a wonderfully-weighted putt the whole length of the green to the side of the hole, it left his opponent needing to chip in to secure the point. He could not manage that and that allowed Europe to secure a half-point to move to 12 and within two and a half of victory.

1420 – Lowry was doing a Rose with two holes in three cutting Spieth’s lead to one, with the Irishman celebrating wildly like his opponent had done earlier. But Rose’s momentum was halted with Cantlay winning the 14th.

1415 – Hovland told Sky Sports: “It was awesome. It was looking really good for us early on, but there is a bit too much red going on. But it was nice to get a point for Europe and hopefully there are a lot more to come in.”

1405 – Europe move to within three points of the trophy after Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3. The American could only bogey the 15th.

1403 – Rose is on the charge! The Englishman looked down and out three down after 11, but he’s responded with back-to-back holes to set up a dramatic finish with Cantlay.

1355 – Scheffler had no issue with his putting there to go one ahead of Rahm. A rollercoaster of a match.

1347 – Schauffele and Homa have turned their games around, winning three holes in a row to take complete control. As it stands, Europe lead in five with the USA ahead in six and one tied.

1342 – In a fascinating opening match, Scheffler hit back to tie up against Rahm with four to play. And, in the final contest of the afternoon, Robert MacIntyre took a two-hole lead over Wyndham Clark.

1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.

1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.

1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.

1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.

Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.

1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!

1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.

But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.

1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.

1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.

Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.

1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.

1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.

1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.

1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.

That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!

1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.

1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.

1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.

Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”

1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?

Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.

1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.

1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.

1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.

1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

1335 – Homa is on the charge and a second consecutive hole win puts him in front against Fitzpatrick. But Europe are closing in on another point with Hovland four up with six to play. An impressive display so far from the Norwegian. That would leave three needed for the trophy.

1325 – Hovland was still going strong and went three up in the second match with a birdie after driving the 11th, while Rahm found his form again. He pegged back Scheffler on the 12th and produced an incredible approach to win the next, with the American’s putting again an issue.

1315 – Burns and Homa won holes while Spieth, Cantlay, Scheffler, Koepka and Justin Thomas all led. Are the USA making their move? It may not be enough though with Hovland, McIlroy, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all ahead in their matches.

1305 – McIlroy got out of a spot of bother on the eighth, producing a good save to par, while Rahm found himself in the long grass again on the 11th and could not recover this time to slip behind against Scheffler, who produced a fine putt to win the hole.

Spieth took off his imaginary cap and roared with delight after taking a two-hole lead after three.

1250 – After a strong start, Rahm’s standards slipped a touch from the fifth. He lost the sixth and ninth and was in the rough on the 10th with a bridge in front of him, but produced an astonishing baseball-like shot to get on the green and eventually half the hole. Phew!

1240 – Morikawa and Harman finally won a hole, their first of the day to check Hovland and Hatton’s progress, Jordan Spieth got the better of Shane Lowry on the first, Cantlay moved two up against Rose and Scheffler levelled up with Rahm despite his in-different putting as the USA tried to hit back.

But McIlroy continued to dominate Burns, who slipped three behind with 11 holes to play.

1230 – Fitzpatrick holed a 15-foot eagle putt under pressure to take the lead over Homa and Nicolai Hojgaard started well against Xander Schauffele, sticking another bit of blue on the board.

1220 – Burns’ momentum was soon quashed by McIlroy winning the next hole, moving two up like Hatton, while Homa tied up against Fitzpatrick.

Hovland’s putt up and down a slope at the seventh maintained his three-hole lead as Morikawa had just a couple of feet for his birdie.

1210 – Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka has showed no signs of nerves. The American has flown out of the blocks here to take a one-hole lead over Ludvig Aberg. The second bit of red on the board, but Morikawa is struggling to keep up with Hovland, who has taken a three-hole advantage after six.

1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.

1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.

1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.

That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!

1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.

1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.

1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.

Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”

1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?

Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.

1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.

1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.

1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.

1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

Europe remained on course to regain the Ryder Cup as the United States failed to find the fast start they needed on the final day in Rome.

Needing just four points to regain the trophy, Europe captain Luke Donald unsurprisingly sent his strongest players out at the top of the singles order at Marco Simone.

Masters champion Jon Rahm took on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match, with Viktor Hovland facing Collin Morikawa in match two and and Justin Rose then taking on an in-form Patrick Cantlay.

Rory McIlroy, who had been sent out first in each of the last three contests, was up against Sam Burns in match four and raced into a three-up lead after seven holes.

With all 12 matches out on the course, each side led in five with the other two all square.

Rahm had made the ideal start with a birdie on the first and was two up after five, but was pegged back by Scheffler, who had won just half a point from his three matches to date but took the lead at the 11th.

Hovland swiftly moved two up on Morikawa and Tyrrell Hatton won three of the first four holes against Open champion Brian Harman before a wild tee shot on the fifth gifted Harman a hole back.

Danish rookie Nicolai Hojgaard was also two up on Xander Schauffele, but Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas had taken early leads against Ludvig Aberg and Sepp Straka respectively.

1200 – Burns hit back against McIlroy, who had taken the third hole, by producing a fine putt to half the deficit on the next.

 

 

1150 – Tyrrell Hatton holed a great putt to move one up against Brian Harman as Europe continued to dominate, although Scheffler ended Rahm’s two-hole winning run to cut the Spaniard’s lead in half.

1140 – You could tell Matt Fitzpatrick was happy with his opening shot with the speed at which he picked up his tee and marched on. That set the tone for the Yorkshireman to win the first hole.

That left Europe leading four of the five matches, with Rahm and Hovland both two up. What a start!

1130 – A par on the first was enough for McIlroy to win the hole against Burns, putting him one up like Rahm and Viktor Hovland, but there was red on the leaderboard with Cantlay taking the lead versus Justin Rose.

1120 – McIlroy received a great ovation on the first tee and followed it with a great shot. Scheffler pegged Rahm back on the third to leave all matches tied.

1110 – Morikawa was not enjoying the tee so far today, hitting another that stops just short of the long grass. Scheffler almost levelled his match with Rahm, but his putt on the second is just short.

Europe captain Donald does not believe last night’s tension will hamper his side today, telling Sky Sports: “We are excited, today is a new day. We want to start strong.”

1100 – McIlroy walked past Cantlay and LaCava without even a glance as he put all his focus into his match against Sam Burns. Will tensions rise on the course again today?

Morikawa recovered well from the rough, finding the green on the first before missing a putt to win the hole. Cantlay, without a cap again, walks out to the first tee to boos from the crowd.

 

 

1050 – Close to hitting a spectator! Collin Morikawa could not follow the first two on the tee, firing his effort way left and into the crowd. First blood goes to Europe as Rahm sinks a brilliant 15-foot putt to win the first hole after Scheffler came up way short.

1040 – Two good tee shots from Rahm and Scheffler to settle the nerves. The crowd loved them. We are under way in Italy.

1030 – Five minutes until Masters champion Jon Rahm takes on world number one Scottie Scheffler in the first match. The Spaniard looks in the zone out there today. The atmosphere is building on the first tee.

1020 – Former Europe captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup. Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trail by five points. “This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports. “Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

1010 – Luke Donald’s side will also have plenty of extra motivation after the second day’s play ended with angry scenes on the 18th green which later continued outside the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

1000 – Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

Former European captain Paul McGinley believes the United States need to eclipse the ‘Miracle at Medinah” to retain the Ryder Cup in Rome.

Europe famously recovered from 10-6 down heading into the singles in 2012 to pull off an unlikely victory, but Zach Johnson’s side trailed by five points at Marco Simone despite a spirited fightback on Saturday afternoon.

“This will be unbelievable if America come anywhere close,” McGinley, who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, told Sky Sports.

“Miracles do happen and this will be bigger than the Miracle at Medinah if America come back from here. Yes they have momentum, but Europe are also stoked up.”

That was a reference to the controversial end to Saturday’s play, with angry scenes on the 18th green later continuing outside the clubhouse at Marco Simone.

Rory McIlroy was annoyed that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava initially refused to move from his eyeline as he waved his cap over his head in celebration of Cantlay’s birdie on the last.

McIlroy and team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick still had birdie putts of their own to halve the hole and the match, but neither was able to convert.

McIlroy was later pictured angrily gesturing towards LaCava before being shepherded into a courtesy car by Shane Lowry.

Europe captain Luke Donald vowed to give his players the right “messaging” before Sunday’s play and unsurprisingly sent out his strongest players early in the singles, with Jon Rahm first out against Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy, who had gone out first in the last three Ryder Cups, was fourth in the line-up against Sam Burns.

1000- Welcome to the PA news agency’s live Ryder Cup blog. It is singles Sunday at Marco Simone in Rome. Europe need just four points to complete their revenge mission and regain the trophy from the USA.

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