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Rory McIlroy paired with Tommy Fleetwood for opening Ryder Cup foursomes

Rory McIlroy (L) and Tommy Fleetwood will play in Match 3
Rory McIlroy (L) and Tommy Fleetwood will play in Match 3

Rory McIlroy will be involved in the opening session of the 45th Ryder Cup after being named in Luke Donald's foursomes at Bethpage Black, but Shane Lowry must wait.

Europe's first pairing will see Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton coming up against Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas at 12.10pm Irish time.

Match 2 will see Europe's Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick try to take down Russell Henley and world number one Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy is out in Match 3 alongside Tommy Fleetwood, with Collin Morikawa and Harris English representing Team USA.

The final foursome will see America represented by Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with Donald opting for Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland.

"We feel like this is our strongest to go against them," said Team Europe captain Luke Donald. "We want to get off to a good start like we did in Rome, but we also understand the challenge ahead of us.

"I like Jon as a leader going off first with Tyrrell. It's a strong start for us and we'll need it."

With US President Donald Trump due to attend later in the day, it seems the Americans are planning to meet the challenge head on.

Home skipper Keegan Bradley said: "We wanted to send out a fiery group to lead us out with these fans.

"Bryson just relishes these opportunities. He wants them and, let's not forget, Justin is the heartbeat of our team.

"They are to go out and be a really tough team to beat."

Thomas said DeChambeau, who led the crowd in chants of 'USA' during practice, was the perfect player to send out first.

Thomas said: "I'm stoked to be playing with Bryson. I think trying to set the tone in that first match is always important.

"I think all of us were in agreement that Bryson needed to be in that first match."

Bradley went on to challenge DeChambeau to drive the green from the first tee.

He said: "Let him get up there. We want him to do what he does and he got up there today and hammered one right in the front of the green."

Donald expects drama in all the matches but is convinced his players are ready.

He said: "I think they are all going to be pretty feisty. The build-up of any Ryder Cup is pretty intense and tomorrow will be a different level.

"Always the first tee, it's pure energy, pure passion, but I think my guys are ready for it."


RYDER CUP OPENING SESSION TEE TIMES
(Irish times)

12.10pm Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas v Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton
12.26pm Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley v Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick
12.42pm Collin Morikawa and Harris English v Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood
12.58pm Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay v Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland


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