Europe rallies to overcome U.S. in Ryder

MEDINAH, Ill., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Martin Kaymer's win over Steve Stricker Sunday capped a rally in which Europe erased a four-point deficit to snatch the Ryder Cup from the United States.

The Europeans trailed by four points entering Sunday, but Kaymer's 1-up decision against Stricker assured their furious comeback would result in a 14 1/3-13 1/2 victory and a successful defense of the Ryder Cup Crown.

Stricker needed to win the final hole to keep the Americans alive, but Kaymer sank a 6-foot birdie putt and the Europeans equaled the biggest final-day comeback in the history of the event.

They matched a four-point rally staged by the 1999 U.S. team. That squad was playing on its home soil, while the Europeans did so Sunday at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.

Europe gained momentum when Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Paul Lawrie won the first five matches of the day.

Europeans Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia also notched victories.

The only U.S. winners Sunday were Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner.