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Europeans praise great team spirit
2006-09-23
Europe's Ryder Cup team, riding high after finishing the second day 10-6 up against the United States, have lauded the great camaraderie between the players that made the contest one they all loved to play. "In the European team it's very easy to pair someone with another player," said Spaniard Sergio Garcia on Saturday. "We just love it. I'm just glad we have it figured out." Commentators have pinned much of Europe's success in recent matches -- they have won four of the past five Ryder Cups -- on a better team spirit than their opponents, pointing out that many of the Europeans travel and practice together. This time the team have been brought perhaps even closer following the death of Darren Clarke's wife Heather last month. Clarke, a wildcard selection, has been paired with good pal and fellow captain's pick, Lee Westwood, in both his matches. "I love playing with Darren, we get on well, we play a lot together and (we're) obviously great friends," Westwood said earlier this week. HIGH EMOTION For many in the side, the first day -- in which all 12 played -- was one of high emotion. "It was beautiful to be part of the team again," said a tearful Jose Maria Olazabal, back in the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999. The word "team" abounded in European comments. Asked if his one million pound ($1.90 million) win last week in the World Match Play championship or hole-in-one at the Ryder Cup on Saturday meant more to him, Englishman Paul Casey said: "What would mean more to me would be if the team does what Sergio is talking about, which is to go out there and win the singles (on Sunday)." While the Europeans have hugged and high-fived their way around the course at the K Club, the Americans have still looked slightly less comfortable together this week than the Europeans despite their extensive team-building efforts. World number one Tiger Woods, who has previously given the impression of being a peripheral figure during the biennial event, demonstrated his commitment early on by taking the team's four rookies out to dinner before the contest. But it is the Europeans who have walked the walk -- and talked the talk -- most since the competition got under way. "I'm just proud to be part of such a great team," said Colin Montgomerie, playing in his eighth Ryder Cup. "That's the word that's being used around the camp now."
Ryder combatants reconvene for $7.5 million WGC (2006-09-25)Rampant Europe surge to emphatic victory (2006-09-24)Europeans praise great team spirit (2006-09-23)Europe charge into Ryder Cup lead (2006-09-23)Europeans lead after Day 1 of Ryder Cup (2006-09-22)
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