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Graeme McDowell is playing in today's final singles match - and European hopes could depend on him. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Ryder Cup

All eyes on McDowell: Ryder Cup rolls right down to the wire

If Europe are to scrape victory, it looks like Graeme McDowell will be the man to sink the winning putt.

GRAEME MCDOWELL may well be the one to clinch victory for Europe as the Ryder Cup’s unprecedented fourth day, as the United States fights tooth and nail to keep control of golf’s biggest prize.

With six matches down on the final day, Europe lead 13 points to 11, needing just 1.5 points from the remaining six games to wrest back the cup – but crucially, in the six remaining matches, the United States hold commanding – nay, insurmountable – leads in four of them.

Edoardo Molinari leads Rickie Fowler by 3 with 4 to play, and looks set to secure the 14th European point, but elsewhere Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson appear set to narrow the deficit for the reigning champions. Mickelson is dominating Peter Hanson, being 3 up after 13. Meanwhile, Johnson is running rampant over a once-again out-of-sorts Padraig Harrington.

All three of the Americans seem almost certain to secure their victories – which would level the score at 13 apiece with just McDowell and the elder Molinari both needing to claim full points from their matches.

The latter match seems set for a comfortable victory for the Italian – meaning that all eyes will come down to McDowell, who is 2 ahead with 6 holes to play against Hunter Mahan.

Earlier this morning, Rory McIlroy’s match against Stewart Cink ended in a remarkable tie after a gripping duel, while opener Lee Westwood – in sparkling form – was overcome by a resurgent Steve Stricker.

Luke Donald defeated Jim Furyk on the 18th, while Ian Poulter destroyed Matt Kuchar 5&4. Dustin Johnson beat Martin Kaymer 6&4, and Jeff Overton beat Ross Fisher. Tiger Woods overcame the younger Molinari, Federico, after an off-form start.