U.S. leads Ryder Cup 9-7 after Saturday

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The United States holds a 9-7 lead over Europe after Saturday's play at the Ryder Cup.

The teams split the fourball matches Saturday afternoon, with each side getting two points, after Europe won the morning foursomes 2 1/2 - 1 1/2.

In the second fourball match, Ben Curtis and Steve Stricker got a halve against the favored European duo of Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey. In the third, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell defeated Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk, 1-up. In the fourth, Phil Mickelson and Hunter Mahan battled Swedes Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson to a halve.

The only match that didn't go the distance was the first one where Boo Weekley and J.B. Holmes defeated Lee Westwood and Soren Hansen, 2 & 1.

The last time the United States held the lead heading into the Sunday singles was 1995. The United States led 9-7 then, but Europe came back to win the Cup.