NEWPORT, Wales (AFP) — Europe roared back into contention at the Ryder Cup here yesterday, staging a dramatic late rally after the United States opened up a two-point lead on a gripping second day.

Leading by one point after completion of the rain-delayed opening fourballs earlier yesterday, the ice-cool Americans kept their nerve to take a 6-4 lead over Colin Montgomerie’s men following the foursomes at Celtic Manor.

But after receiving a rallying cry from a furious Montgomerie — who accused his players of lacking passion — the Europeans came blasting out of the blocks as the third session got underway at Celtic Manor.

When play was finally halted just before 7:00 pm, Europe led in all six matches — in some matches by margins of several holes — a potentially decisive shift in momentum that sets up a thrilling finale today.

Leading the European fightback were English duo Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, who were four up after nine holes against the unbeaten American partnership of Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in their foursome.

In the other foursome, Northern Irish duo Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy had raced into a three-hole lead against Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan when play was halted after seven holes.

Montgomerie later revealed he had given his players a severe dressing down after watching helplessly as the Americans seized the initiative.

While Europe led both foursomes by big margins, the fourballs were slightly tighter. Padraig Harrington and Ross Fisher were one up after eight holes against Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson, as were brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari in their match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

However, Peter Hanson and Miguel Angel Jimenez were two up against Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton. Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer led Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler by the same margin.

Twelve singles matches will take place following the six fourballs and foursomes matches today. However with more heavy rain forecast, play could run into tomorrow according to organisers.

The European fightback took the gloss of what had been shaping up as a good day at the office for Pavin as he attempts to guide America to their first Ryder Cup win on foreign soil since 1993.

Pavin had watched his players win both sessions as they appeared to handle the pressure better than their European counterparts.