Faldo plan fails as USA win

Trailing by two points entering the 12 closing singles at Valhalla, Faldo went with sting in his tail, putting Padraig Harrington out last despite the danger of the Open and PGA champion's clash with Chad Campbell becoming irrelevant.

So it proved and the final scoreline was a resounding 16 1/2-11 1/2 to the United States.

Paul Azinger's side, ending a run of three successive defeats, clinched victory with four games remaining - those involving not just Harrington, but also star-of-the-week Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell - still out on the course.

With the wind taken out of their sails Poulter managed to make it four wins out of five to be the week's top scorer and debutant McDowell won as well, but Westwood and Harrington lost and so ended the event without a win between them.

For Harrington a mere half-point to his name was the same story at The K Club two years ago. His two major wins made it a fantastic year, of course, but as far as the Ryder Cup is concerned he peaked too soon.

Faldo said his singles order was a team decision, but it was only six years ago that Curtis Strange sent Tiger Woods out 12th at The Belfry and that did not matter either. The lesson was not learned.

Faldo stated: "We are talking about fractions between these two teams.

"If we could get it to the last four guys ... that was the risk I guess we took.

"We gave our heart and soul. The golf was fantastic and this particular week they have done us. Everybody has given 100% and that's all you can do."