Internationals rally against USA as Mickelson's mix-up moves them close
After a disappointing start to the Presidents Cup, the Internationals responded in style against United States.
The Internationals made some much-needed ground at the Presidents Cup, reducing the deficit to 5 1/2 to 4 1/2 against United States, as Phil Mickelson's error helped them close the gap further.
Playing in Friday's fourballs action against Jason Day and Adam Scott alongside Zach Johnson, Mickelson realised on the seventh hole that he had violated the 'one-ball condition' and turned himself into officials.
The American pair subsequently went from being even to 2down as Johnson lost the hole playing solo and Mickelson's penalty was applied.
However, the Match Committee at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon later conceded that Mickelson should have been allowed to play the hole out and been given a chance to lessen the blow.
It could prove crucial, as the Internationals ended Friday just one point in arrears, rather than two.
Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace had earlier provided a highlight, the South African pair upsetting marquee USA duo Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.
USA led 4-1 after a disappointing opening day for the Internationals.
Grace and Oosthuizen – the Internationals' only winners on Thursday – brought some life into their team before Danny Lee and Bae Sang-moon edged Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker.
USA were 2up through eight holes, but Bae sunk a huge putt at the 18th to give the Internationals a second win of the day.
Spieth and Johnson had trailed early before the latter's birdie on the par-five seventh hole put them 1up.
But the Internationals were ahead by the turn thanks to back-to-back birdies, and they took control from there.
Grace had birdied the ninth and he followed that up on the 10th, with Oosthuizen's birdies on 14 and 15 sealing the win.
Not long after Bae's long putt, the Internationals were level at 4-4 thanks to Thongchai Jaidee and Charl Schwartzel.
They were in control throughout against Bill Haas and Chris Kirk on the way to completing a 2 and 1 win.
J.B. Holmes and Bubba Watson enjoyed a 2-up win over Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch to ensure USA retained a slender overnight lead.
