Photos: Ryder Cup day one

Americans Chris Riley and Stewart Cink halted a European fourballs whitewash by sharing a half point with Paul McGinley and Luke Donald.

After three defeats for his side, Riley holed out at the 18th to restore some pride for the struggling hosts.

McGinley, who sank Europe's winning 2002 Ryder Cup putt, put his pairing ahead with a birdie at the sixth but Riley fought back two holes later.

The Irishman restored the lead after 13, before Cink hauled his side level.

The first five holes had been shared in par figures before McGinley's successful 12ft putt at the next meant Europe led in all four games.

It was important to get something - we dug deep Stewart Cink Friday fourballs: All the action

Riley's birdie at the eighth left it all square until a par from McGinley took the short 13th.

Cink answered that with a 10-footer for birdie two holes later.

The next two were shared and at the last Riley made a seven-footer for half after Donald's 20-foot downhill effort missed.

Cink told of his relief after his pairing had spared the home side's blushes.

"It was important to get something. We dug deep to get a half," said Cink.

Rookie Donald said he settled down after early nerves, and won praise from partner McGinley.

"Luke did great in his first Ryder Cup. It was a real tough game - there was never more than a hole in it," said the Irishman.