Monty First Off On D-Day

Needing just four points to retain the Ryder Cup after an excellent first two days, European captain Ian Woosnam is sending out three of his big guns early in today's singles matches in an attempt to get some early points on the board and snuff out talk of a 1999 style comeback from Tom Lehman's USA.

Europe's push for victory will be led by talismanic Scot Colin Montgomerie, who will tee off first against former USPGA champion David Toms at 11:15 BST. Sergio Garcia, who has won four points out of four in this Ryder Cup, will attempt a clean sweep when he tees off second and faces US wildcard choice Stewart Cink.

European man-of-the-moment Paul Casey, who has followed up his win last weekend in the HSBC World Matchplay with a superb display in this event, faces Jim Furyk in the third match - the first really big clash of what is sure to be a tense and thoroughly absorbing day. World number one Tiger Woods is fourth out for the US and will be hoping for victory against European rookie Robert Karlsson.

Darren Clarke could be ideally placed in match number seven to sink the winning putt if things go to plan for Woosnam and his troops, and there would be no more fitting finale than that. However, Woosnam must have made his team aware of the dangers of complacency despite their lead - the USA are traditionally very strong in the singles and have repeatedly staged last day rallies in recent years.

DRAW FOR SUNDAY'S SINGLES MATCHES - ALL TIMES BST

EUROPE 10-6 USA

11:15 C Montgomerie (Eur) v D Toms (USA)

11:27 S Garcia (Eur) v S Cink (USA)

11:39 P Casey (Eur) v J Furyk (USA)

11:51 R Karlsson (Eur) v T Woods (USA)

12:03 L Donald (Eur) v C Campbell (USA)

12:15 P McGinley (Eur) v JJ Henry (USA)

12:27 D Clarke (Eur) v Z Johnson (USA)

12:39 H Stenson (Eur) v V Taylor (USA)

12:51 D Howell (Eur) v B Wetterich (USA)

13:03 JM Olazabal (Eur) v P Mickelson (USA)

13:15 L Westwood (Eur) v C DiMarco (USA)

13:27 P Harrington (Eur) v S Verplank (USA)

Europe need 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup as holders

USA need 14.5 points to regain the Ryder Cup