USA whitewashed as Europe make dominant foursomes start

An inspired Jon Rahm led from the front as Europe emphatically drew first blood in their bid to regain the Ryder Cup with a 4-0 whitewashing of the US in the opening day foursomes in Rome.

Rahm and partner Tyrrell Hatton had acquired the nickname of "Team Angry" due to their fiery nature, but they were all smiles as they stormed to a 4&3 victory over world number one Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.

The lead was soon doubled as Viktor Hovland and rookie Ludvig Aberg enjoyed victory over Open champion Brian Harman and Max Homa by the same margin at Marco Simone.

Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka continued winning ways, halving the 17th to close out a 2&1 victory over Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood rounded off the perfect start for Europe with a 2&1 victory over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.

Fourballs pairings (European pairings first)

1125 Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton v Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

1140 Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard v Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.

1155 Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose v Max Homa and Wyndham Clark.

1210 Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick v Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.