Poulter powers Europe past USA in Ryder Cup

CHICAGO, Illinois (AFP) - Ian Poulter closed with five-straight birdies as he and Rory McIlroy rallied to beat the Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson, of the United States, 1-up in Ryder Cup fourballs on Saturday.

Ryder Cup hero Poulter improved to 11-3 in career matches as he posted six birdies on the back nine and five straight beginning at the 14th at the Medinah Country Club course to give Europe their second win of the afternoon session.

Team Europe was two down heading into the par-three 13th but they stormed back with six consecutive birdies on the final half dozen holes.

It also marked the first loss for the Americans at the 2012 Ryder Cup after they won a pair of morning foursome matches.