Westwood and Montgomerie were paired for the first time

Europe's Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood earned a crucial half point at the last against America's Chris DiMarco and Phil Mickelson.

Montgomerie nailed a six-foot putt at the 18th to give Europe a 5-3 lead and make up for a costly error on the 16th when he drove into the water.

It looked like America's Chris DiMarco would take full advantage with a great approach to go one up with two to play.

But Montgomerie's finish meant Europe avoided losing any of the foursomes.

Interview: Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood

The Scot, who has played a starring role in the last two Ryder Cups, said: "We would have taken five points at the start of the day.

"We didn't lose a match this afternoon which was important. We came through. We deserved a half, a half was a fair result."

Earlier Montgomerie also made amends for an error when he tried to lay up for an approach to the sixth green but found the rough.

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On the following hole he drained a huge putt to take the match back to all-square around the turn.

The teams then swapped birdies on 13 and 14 but the tide look to have turned when Montgomerie hit it in the water on 16.

DiMarco struggled with his driving all day but a great recovery from Mickelson on the 17th sustained the pressure until the final stroke of a thrilling day.

The half point meant that Westwood was unbeaten for the day, having earned a point with Darren Clarke in the morning fourballs.