Poulter keeps Europeans in the hunt

MEDINAH, Ill. — Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley helped stake the Americans to their biggest lead in the Ryder Cup in more than 30 years. Ian Poulter, eyes bulging and fists shaking with every clutch putt, at least gave Europe some big momentum over the final frantic hour Saturday at Medinah.

Right when it looked as if the Americans were a lock to win back the cup, Poulter birdied his last five holes to win a crucial point and keep everyone guessing. Steady chants of “USA! USA!” gave way to snappy serenades of “Ole, Ole” as both sides trudged to the team rooms in darkness to prepare for 12 singles matches on Sunday.

The Americans still had a big lead, 10-6. Europe at least had hope.

“The last two putts were massive,” European captain Jose Maria Olazabal said after watching Poulter stay undefeated in this Ryder Cup by rolling in one last birdie putt from 12 feet. “That gives us a chance. It’s been done before in the past. Tomorrow is a big day.”

Only one team has ever rallied from four points behind on the final day — the United States in that famous comeback at Brookline in 1999. Olazabal remembers it well. He was in the decisive match when Justin Leonard rolled in a 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole.

Is the Spaniard a big believer in fate?

“I believe momentum will come our way,” Olazabal said. “Why not tomorrow?”

Olazabal borrowed a page from that American team at Brookline by loading the top of his singles lineup with his best players. Luke Donald leads off against Bubba Watson, followed by Poulter against Webb Simpson, Rory McIlroy against Bradley and Justin Rose against Mickelson.

U.S. captain Davis Love III put Tiger Woods — winless in the Ryder Cup for the first time going into Sunday — in the anchor position against Francesco Molinari, whom Woods beat in Wales last time.