Garcia (left) scored maximum points on the opening day

Sergio Garcia capped a fine first day by teaming up with Luke Donald to beat Americans Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk by two holes in the Ryder Cup foursomes.

The European pair were never behind after going ahead at the first hole when Furyk's drive left Woods under a tree, resulting in a bogey.

Garcia, who also won his morning fourballs, hit a superb shot to the 17th to enable them to edge one clear.

Furyk then found the water at the 18th to end American hopes.

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The match had begun dramatically with Woods forced to attempt a left-handed shot after Furyk's wayward drive at the opening hole.

But the world number one left the ball in the rough and Furyk then found the rough on the other side of the fairway.

Donald had also found the rough and Garcia then hit into a bunker but the Europeans were able to limit the damage and come out of the hole one up.

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Europe went two up at the fifth after Donald holed for a birdie from 35 feet, but the Englishman then missed an eight-footer at the next to allow the Americans to claw a hole back.

Woods, who again struggled for his best form, missed a five-foot putt at the 10th to allow the Europeans a two-hole cushion again.

The Americans fought back at the 11th and the next two holes were traded before Woods' superb four-iron at the 14th helped to bring the USA level.

Garcia hit brilliant approaches to the 16th and 17th and at the latter, Europe took advantage when Furyk missed his team's birdie putt.

As the rain came pelting down, Furyk hit a wild second shot at the 18th and dropped his club in disgust as the ball found water.