Presidents Cup 2019: The USA's momentum-changing fightback in Melbourne
![WoodsThomas - Cropped](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"></svg>)
The United States were staring at a huge deficit at the Presidents Cup before a momentum-changing final 90 minutes in Melbourne.
The Internationals led all five foursomes matches not long after 14:00 local time (03:00 GMT) at Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Friday.
That would have sent the USA into the weekend trailing 9-1, but instead they rallied and finished the day behind 6.5 - 3.5.
The turnaround could be what Tiger Woods' team needed in their bid for an eighth straight Presidents Cup title.
Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele and Woods/Justin Thomas grabbed wins, while Rickie Fowler and Gary Woodland halved a match they trailed for almost the entire day.
We take a look at how the USA's fightback unfolded.
Day 2 is in the books. pic.twitter.com/oIfchuGMkr
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019
Cantlay clutch to lift the USA
Cantlay and Schauffele trailed through 14 holes against Joaquin Niemann and Adam Hadwin, but they produced the first late rally.
A birdie at the par-five 15th brought the USA level after Schauffele put an approach to within three feet.
But the big moment came at 18, where Cantlay holed a 14-footer for birdie and a key point.
Huge putt by @Patrick_Cantlay.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019
The U.S. Team gets their first point on Day 2.
It's now 6-2 in favor of the International Team. pic.twitter.com/Tga7D3UdYY
Tiger, Thomas fight back
Woods and Thomas were 1down through 12 in what had been a tight battle with Hideki Matsuyama and Byeong Hun An.
Thomas' approach and Woods' 10-footer for birdie tied the match before the 2017 US PGA Championship winner stepped up big time on the last.
The world number four sunk a 17-foot birdie putt to get the USA another victory.
CHILLS. @JustinThomas34 and @TigerWoods win their second point of the @PresidentsCup. #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/bS5WvOeNm8
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019
Fowler, Woodland respond for a half
Fowler and Woodland had trailed from the opening hole against Cameron Smith and Im Sung-jae and were still behind through 16.
However, a birdie at the 17th tied the match as Fowler holed a four-footer after Woodland's superb approach, denying the Internationals a victory they looked certain to secure all day.