RYDER CUP LATEST

I TIPPED Europe to win the Ryder Cup at the start of the event and everything that happened yesterday reinforced my belief and will hopefully boost my bank account today.

Europe are now the 1-6 red-hot favourites with William Hill and Ladbrokes after taking five and a half points out of six on what should have been the final day.

The rain at Celtic Manor has forced the 12 singles to be played today and Europe should be able to extend their three-point lead.

Colin Montgomerie's men are 9.5-6.5 in front and need just five wins to pip the Americans. The USA are 12-5 with William Hill with the tie 12-1.

On the singles they go:

• 8-11 Lee Westwood v 11-10 Steve Stricker
• 4-5 Rory McIlroy v 1-1 Stewart Cink
• 10-11 Luke Donald v 10-11 Jim Furyk
• 8-11 Martin Kaymer v 11-10 Dustin Johnson
• 4-6 Ian Poulter v 6-5 Matt Kuchar
• 8-13 Ross Fisher v 5-4 Jeff Overton
• 4-5 Miguel Angel Jimenez v 1-1 Bubba Watson
• 11-8 Francesco Molinari v 4-7 Tiger Woods
• 8-11 Edoardo Molinari v 11-10 Rickie Fowler
• 6-5 Peter Hanson v 4-6 Phil Mickelson
• 10-11 Padraig Harrington v 10-11 Zach Johnson
• 4-6 Graeme McDowell v 6-5 Hunter Mahan

The Americans have put their best performers out first – but Monty has matched up to them and you'd certainly fancy Westwood and the super-consistent Donald to bring home the bacon.

McIlroy has been less impressive and if Cink's putter remains hot the American could nick this one.

Down the games I'd take Kaymer against Dustin Johnson and Ross Fisher, possibly Europe's shining light yesterday, to take care off Jeff Overton.

And if he needs it I'm sure McDowell will provide a fab finish to beat Mahan.

The Americans can't even count on world No.1 Woods and No.2 Mickelson who have been shoved down the order.

Meanwhile, Monty is 4-1 with William Hill that he will do back-to-back Ryder Cups but that's normally frowned upon.

However, if Europe lose in 2012 he might fancy a return at Gleneagles. That also pays 4-1.

Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn are 7-2 favourites to be the next captain ahead of 4-1 Jose Maria Olazabal, 10-1 Paul McGinley, 12-1 Bernard Langer and Sandy Lyle.

🔗 Share on Social Media