IN DIRE STRAITS

RORY IS THRASHED TWICE AS EUROPE ARE LEFT TRAILING

RORY McILROY was thrashed twice on a nightmarish first day of the Ryder cup which left Europe’s hopes hanging by a thread.

The Americans were irresistible, dominating in both foursomes and fourballs to take a 6-2 lead.

McIlroy was crushed 5&3 in the morning foursomes, playing with Ian Poulter. He returned to the fray in the afternoon but he and Shane Lowry lost 4&3 to Tony Finau and Harris English.

Finau said: ‘I love pressure — you have to in Ryder cup situations. I had a great time out there. A lot of fun.’

Jon Rahm was Europe’s one bright light, recording one and a half points. With today’s foursomes and fourballs and tomorrow’s singles to come, McIlroy refused to admit defeat, insisting: ‘We can come back from 6-2.’