International Team takes 10.5-7.5 lead over United States before Presidents Cup singles

Internationals maintain advantage at Medinah

The International team maintained a three-point lead over the United States on Saturday at Medinah Country Club, entering Sunday's 12 singles matches with a 10.5 to 7.5 advantage. After the United States closed the gap during the morning session, the Internationals halted the American rally by splitting the afternoon alternate-shot matches 2-2. Geoff Ogilvy's squad needs five points from Sunday's matches to reach the 15.5-point threshold required to win the cup outright. The lead represents the first time the International team has led entering Sunday on American soil in the event's history. The Americans have won the last 10 editions of the competition dating back to a tie in South Africa in 2003, with the Internationals seeking their first victory since 1998.

Saturday afternoon comebacks

The American squad led in every match during the front nine on Saturday afternoon before the Internationals mounted late rallies. Jacob Bridgeman and Russell Henley built a 3-up lead through 10 holes, but the Canadian pairing of Corey Conners and Nick Taylor won five of the next seven holes. Conners sealed a 1-up victory by holing a six-foot par putt on the 18th green. In another afternoon match, Open champion Ryan Fox and Min Woo Lee recovered from an early deficit to defeat Sam Burns and Wyndham Clark. Fox birdied the 13th and 14th holes with putts from three feet and seven feet to push the Internationals ahead.

“There was no giving up. We knew it was going to be a battle. We gave them a few holes early on and I think we were both motivated to try to get back on the right side of things.”

Snedeker rests Scheffler amid lineup decisions

United States captain Brandt Snedeker faced scrutiny after choosing to bench world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for the afternoon foursomes. Scheffler and Burns had won their morning fourballs match 2 and 1 against Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune by taking the final three holes. Scheffler, who carries a 1-8 career record in alternate shot across the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, learned of the decision during a television interview immediately after his morning victory. Snedeker acknowledged second-guessing his tactical choices and pairing structures as the American deficit persisted.

“I hold myself to a high standard. I don't think I've put these guys in situations where I was trying to, I should say, or wanted to, to give them the comfort level they needed. I mean, there's several different ways, whether it's through matchups, whether it's through whatever. There's a thousand different ways I can think of right now. I've been honestly second-guessing myself a lot to be in this situation.”

American bright spots and Sunday outlook

Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup delivered both full points for the United States on Saturday, winning in morning fourballs and afternoon foursomes. The pairing defeated Taylor and Conners 2 and 1 before recording a 6-and-4 victory over Sungjae Im and Adam Scott, the shortest match of the tournament. The United States outscored the Internationals 4.5 to 3.5 across Saturday's eight matches after suffering a 5-0 sweep in Friday foursomes. Sunday's closing schedule features 12 individual matches, starting with Scheffler facing Nico Echavarria, who has not played since Thursday.

International Team10.5

United States7.5

International Team

10.5 pts

United States

7.5 pts

Data from the article text