Presidents Cup: USA gets swept 5-0 as international team fights back on Day 2

CNN
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The international team stormed back into contention in some style on Day 2 of the Presidents Cup, beating the USA 5-0 in Friday’s foursomes.

The score now stands at 5-5 with two days of golf left to play.

Heading into the second day of competition, Team USA was in complete control of the game against the Internationals.

Led by world number 1 Scottie Scheffler, the US defeated their opponents 5-0 on the opening day and the cup already seemed to be going one way.

But in returning the favor, the Internationals delivered a much-needed stellar performance to bring themselves back up to par.

Their dominance started from the first match of the day when Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im defeated Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, 7 and 6, to equal the tournament record for the shortest match ever, last set in 2011.

Mike Weir, the captain of the international team, said he was proud of his team after a brilliant Day 2 for his players.

“The game is a game of nerves and managing nerves, but I had confidence in our guys,” Weir told reporters after the second day. “I’m just so proud of the boys, I’m so excited for them. To play so well yesterday and not have any points on the board was disappointing.

“So to see their hard work and keep them there and see us captains and I asking them to stay there and believe, couldn’t be happier. I’m just so proud of them.”

Team USA captain Jim Furyk said his team must now respond to their opponents in kind.

‘I said in some interviews yesterday that their backs are against the wall. They come out shooting. … The idea is to shoot tomorrow,” Furyk told reporters.

“We are once again dealing with a loud crowd. It’s the weekend. We can expect the same first tee experience we saw today.”

After the first day, international star Tom Kim said the crowd was too quiet. But like the team, it seemed the crowd also bounced back after a difficult first day and Kim credited the fans for a spectacular second day.

“They were incredible today. They definitely took it with them. It was clear that these guys needed to go out and play. I sat outside, but I think the audience plays a big role,” Kim said after day two.

“I think the reason we were able to play so well today, other than these guys going out and performing, was because our fans supported us. I think that gives you momentum, that gives you energy. Only they played a big role in our victory today.”

Heading into the final two days it is now all to play for and both teams will be looking to gain the advantage going into Sunday’s final.

“We know there is a lot of golf to be played. We played great yesterday, and they played great today. Now we’re back to square one where it’s a tie,” Team USA’s Tony Finau told reporters.

“So it’s a dogfight, and I like my eleven guys in a dogfight over the next three rounds.”

International veteran Adam Scott delivered a similar message, saying his team must be at their best to keep the momentum going.

“We will have to work on it, be focused and keep our level high, because that team is no joke. We will have to fight very hard if we want to be there on Sunday afternoon.”