NEWPORT, Wales -- The early momentum on Saturday had been tilting in the Americans' favor. The notable exception was the lead pair of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, who trailed from the start against Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood and never caught up.
After the Americans bogeyed the 16th hole, the Europeans claimed the first point of the competition with a 3 and 2 win. The loss was the 15th of Mickelson's Ryder Cup career, moving him within one of the all-time U.S. record set by Ray Floyd.
The Americans are leading in the other three matches, most surprisingly the pair of Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson. In one stretch, Overton birdied four straight holes to put the U.S. 3 up.
*-- Sam Weinman
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