The United States dominated the afternoon fourballs to take a 5-3 lead over Europe after the first day of golf's Ryder Cup in Chcago.
In a format that habitually favours the Europeans, Davis Love's team took the fourballs 3-1 after sharing the alternate ball foursomes 2-all in the morning's play.
All 24 players were in action during a day which started so promisingly for Europe but which ended so positively for the United States.
The American heroes were rookie Keegan Bradley, showing passion and talent in securing two points with Phil Mickelson, who was winning a record ninth US cap, and Bubba Watson who fired up the big Chicago crowd with his attacking game.
For Europe, Belgian rookie Nicolas Colsaerts excelled with an eagle and eight birdies, but eyebrows were raised over captain Jose Maria Olazabal's non-selection of Ryder Cup firebrand Ian Poulter for the fourballs after he and Justin Rose had beaten Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the morning.
World No.1 Rory McIlroy played both sessions with fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell and they met with mixed success, winning in the morning and losing in the afternoon.
In the last 15 Ryder Cups the team leading after the first day has eventually gone on to win the trophy 12 times.
