Woods got off to a winning start in Montreal

Jack Nicklaus's team matched the best-ever opening day by dominating at the Royal Montreal course in Canada.

World number one Tiger Woods teamed up with Charles Howell to beat Nick O'Hern and KJ Choi by 3&1.

Mike Weir and Vijay Singh were the only International pair not to lose, halving with Woody Austin and Phil Mickelson.

Austin sank a 13-foot putt at the final hole to deny a win for Gary Player's International team, who are made up of the best non-American players outside Europe.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the Presidents Cup

Ernie Els missed a four-foot par putt at the 18th and David Toms sank a putt from a similar length to give him and Jim Furyk a one-up triumph over the South African and US Open champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina.

It was the biggest Presidents Cup lead after the opening session since the Americans won 5-0 in 2000.

"Our guys were sensational," said US captain Nicklaus.

His old rival Player added: "It's never won on the first day. We will come back and play again. Let's congratulate the United States. They played very well."

The US has historically dominated the opening foursomes, holding a 27-11 advantage in the seven times the event has been played.