One up to the EU

While the mainstays of the U.S. team, Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk (Nos. 1 and 2 in the world rankings) were dismissed in the first round of the World Matchplay Championship at Wentworth, three members of the European team, Montgomerie, Casey and Karlsen made it through to the semi-finals, with Casey easily beating America's Shaun Micheel by 10 and 8 in Sunday's final. Coming immediately before next week's Ryder Cup event at Dublin's K Club, this must be a tremendous psychological blow against the Americans and a great confidence booster for the Europeans, who start as favourites. On the other hand, it may act as a spur to the Americans, who will arrive in Dublin as a team this year, instead of 12 individuals as in previous years. We'll know which by next Sunday afternoon.