Presidents Cup: USA are defeated 5-0 as the international team bounces back on Day 2

CNN
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The international team stormed back into contention on the second day of the Presidents Cup in style, defeating the USA 5-0 in the foursome on Friday.

The score is now 5:5 with two days of golf remaining.

Entering the second day of competition, Team USA was in complete control of the game against the Internationals.

Led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the USA defeated their opponents 5-0 on matchday one and the trophy already seemed to be going one way.

But in return, the Internationals delivered a much-needed brilliant performance to restore balance.

Their dominance began in the first match of the day when Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im defeated Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 7 and 6, tying the tournament record for shortest match ever, which was last set in 2011.

International team captain Mike Weir said he was proud of his team after a brilliant second day for his players.

“The game is a game of nerves and nerve control, but I had confidence in our guys,” Weir told reporters after the second day. “I’m just so proud of the boys, so excited for them. Playing so well yesterday and not having any points was disappointing.

“It couldn’t be happier to see how hard they work and how they persevere and that us captains and I ask them to persevere and believe. Just so proud of her.”

Team USA captain Jim Furyk said his team must now respond to their opponents in a similar way.

“I said in a few interviews yesterday that their backs are against the wall. They’ll come out firing. … The idea is to come out and shoot tomorrow,” Furyk told reporters.

“We will encounter a loud audience again. It’s the weekend. We can expect the same first tee experience we saw today.”

After the first day, international star Tom Kim said the audience was too quiet. But just like the team, the crowd seemed to get back on their feet after a difficult first day, and Kim praised fans for a spectacular second day.

“They were incredible today. They definitely brought it with them. Obviously these guys had to go out and play. I sat outside, but I think the audience plays a big role,” Kim said after the second day.

“I think the reason we were able to play so well today, aside from those guys going out and playing, was because our fans supported us. I think it gives you momentum, it gives you energy. They simply played a big part in our victory today.”

It’s all on the line heading into the final two days and both teams will be looking to take advantage ahead of Sunday’s finale.

“We know there is a lot of golf to be played. We played great yesterday and they played great today too. Now we’re back to square one where it’s a draw,” Team USA’s Tony Finau told reporters.

“So it’s a dogfight, and I like my eleven guys to have a dogfight over the next three rounds.”

International veteran Adam Scott echoed a similar message, saying his team must do its best to keep the momentum going.

“We have to stick with it, stay focused and keep our standards high because this team is no joke. We have to fight really hard if we want to be there on Sunday afternoon.”