Tense Moments in Saturday’s Presidents Cup as U.S. Pulls Ahead
Saturday at the Presidents Cup was a day of high tension and dramatic swings.
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With the Internationals threatening to replicate their dominant performance from Friday, the U.S. Team managed to rally in the latter stages, boosting their chances of retaining the Cup by Sunday evening.
- Starting the day deadlocked at 5-5, the United States delivered a commanding morning display, setting the stage for an 11-7 lead as the sun set. This leaves the International Team in need of a miraculous performance in Sunday’s singles matches to claim their first title in over 20 years. Historically, no team has ever surmounted a deficit of more than two points to secure victory in the Presidents Cup.
U.S. Team Takes Control in Morning Matches
A fog delay of over an hour and a half couldn’t dampen the fiery competition as play resumed Saturday morning. The fans were charged up, particularly rallying behind International rising star Tom Kim as both sides showcased their skills.
- Morning Match Highlights:
- Scheffler and Morikawa vs. Scott and Pendrith: In a tight race, Scheffler and Morikawa edged out a 2&1 victory after a consistent back-and-forth battle.
- Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim vs. Clark and Bradley: The Kims dominated, securing a decisive 4&3 win by maintaining their lead throughout the match.
- Finau and Schauffele vs. Conners and Hughes: Finau and Schauffele took control midway, winning 3&2.
- Cantlay and Burns vs. Matsuyama and Im: The Americans rebounded from an early setback to win 2&1.
By midday, the U.S. was up 8-6.
U.S. Maintains Advantage in Afternoon Session
The afternoon promised surprises and suspense, as Matsuyama and Im initially looked poised for a sweeping victory over Henley and Scheffler.
- Afternoon Match Highlights:
- Henley and Scheffler vs. Matsuyama and Im: The Americans made an astounding comeback to clinch a 3&2 win after trailing most of the match.
- Scott and Pendrith vs. Harman and Homa: The International pair secured a 2 Up victory, despite a brief challenge from the Americans.
- Burns and Morikawa vs. Conners and Hughes: The U.S. narrowly won 1 Up after Hughes’ spectacular chip-in put pressure back on the Americans.
- Cantlay and Schauffele vs. the Kims: Si Woo Kim’s jaw-dropping chip-in brought the match close, but Cantlay’s clutch 18th-hole birdie sealed a 1 Up win for the Americans.
Heading into the singles matches, the U.S. holds a crucial four-point advantage, inching closer to retaining the Cup.
Updated News Date: October 21, 2023