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Justin Thomas and Daniel Berger neck beers as USA leave Europe needing biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history despite Shane Lowry heroics

Europe need the biggest final day comeback in Ryder Cup history to retain the trophy as USA took an 11-5 lead at Whistling Straits.

Padraig Harrington’s men must win nine of the 12 singles matches, something never done before, after another bruising day in Wisconsin.

It’ll take something special to beat USA

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It’ll take something special to beat USA

The Americans turned the screw on Saturday

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The Americans turned the screw on Saturday

Indeed, it will need an even bigger miracle than Medinah in 2012 – and it’s no wonder the hosts are already on the beers.

Another dominant morning session saw Steve Stricker’s side take a 9-3 lead halfway through Saturday, with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia once again the only Europeans to win their match.

Before the fourballs got under way, Justin Thomas and Daniel Berger necked cans of beer on the first tee while egged on by the crowd, and it felt very much like an American procession with 16 points still to play for.

Europe would stage a fightback in the foursomes as some more heroics from Rahm and Garcia ensured the Spaniards got their customary point.

The Spaniards are unbeaten this week

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The Spaniards are unbeaten this week

Lowry rose to the occasion on his first Ryder Cup appearance

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Lowry rose to the occasion on his first Ryder Cup appearance

But the biggest hero for Europe was rookie Shane Lowry, who played out of his skin alongside Tyrrell Hatton and holed the most sensational putt on 18 to secure victory over Harris English and Tony Finau.

Unfortunately, Brits Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy continued to struggle, losing 4 & 3 to the irrepressible Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson.

Meanwhile, USA’s Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler edged a close match with Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland.

It means the Americans need just three-and-a-half points to regain the Ryder Cup – and the way they’re playing, it will take one of the greatest performances in sport history to stop them.