Poulter keeps dream alive
September 30, 2012 11:38:57 UK
Ian Poulter's love affair with the Ryder Cup shows no sign of ending as he single-handedly kept Europe's hopes of victory alive on another dramatic day at Medinah.
Twenty years after watching the event as a fan at The Belfry, Poulter provided his team's inspiration in the final hour of play on Saturday to leave the visitors trailing America 10-6 going into Sunday's singles matches.
It was an incredible finish to what was looking like a very mundane day.
Ian Poulter
Having teamed up with Justin Rose to win their morning foursomes game, the Englishman then produced some of the best putting ever seen in Ryder Cup history to birdie the final five holes and claim a one-shot win with Rory McIlroy over Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson.
The Europeans have been soundly outplayed over the first two days in Chicago by their American rivals and must create history on Sunday if they are to overturn a four-point deficit but, while Poulter is around, they still have hope.
Poulter, who will face US Open champion Webb Simpson in the singles, has won all three of his matches this week to take his Ryder Cup record to 11 victories in 14 games.
"It was an incredible finish to what was looking like a very mundane day," Poulter said.
"I kept saying to Rory, he kept saying to me, we just need something We just need something. We was down, we was two down, nothing was happening, putts weren't going in, and he hit a fantastic three iron into 13 to about eight feet, hit a great putt, a little bit left to right, went in, and that was the spark we needed to ignite what was a bizarre finish."
World number one McIlroy was quick to hail his teammate after watching his amazing putting display at close hand.
The world number one, who birdied the 13th hole to start the Europeans' comeback, said: "I could have just walked into the clubhouse at that point. It was the Poults show from there on in. And it was just a joy to watch."
Europe are now 5.50 to win the Ryder Cup, while USA are 8.00 to win the cup back.
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
View all Golf betting