Rose, Stinson fire Europe to 5-3 lead over U.S. on opening day of Ryder Cup

Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stinson helped the hosts earn two points on the opening day of the Ryder Cup as they fired them to a 5-3 lead over U.S. at Gleneagles.

Rose and Stenson set the tone for Europe at Gleneagles with a vigorous 5 and 4 win over Americans Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson on Friday in the morning fourballs match. They also overcame Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson 2 and 1 in the afternoon foursomes.

The US had won the opening foursomes session 2-and-half and 1-and-half but Europe surged back to clinch the fourballs 3-and-half and 1-and-half to take the overnight advantage, The BBC reported.

Rose and Henrik would lead of again in Saturday's opening fourball match at Gleneagles.

Moreover, Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy will play with Ian Poulter against Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler, while Jamie Donaldson and Lee Westwood would pair up again against Jim Furyk and Mahan. Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer will face Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, the report added.