• Ryder Cup

Heroic Poulter repays faith

Ian Poulter kick-started Europe's fightback © PA Photos

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A humble Ian Poulter says the European team he helped rescue never lost faith as they made history to retain the Ryder Cup.

Poulter sparked a record-equalling fightback with five consecutive birdies to end the second day of play. That saw the momentum shift away from the USA ahead of the final day, and as Martin Kaymer holed his putt on the 18th hole, Europe claimed an astonishing triumph.

After being selected as a wildcard by captain Jose Maria Olazabal, Poulter revealed he was keen to repay the faith shown in him by the team.

"This was a team performance and the team have done an unbelievable job," said Poulter. "There was a buzz in the team room last night that didn't feel like we had a four-point deficit.

"For some reason, everyone was calm. Everyone was cracking jokes. We just felt we had that tiny little chance and the boys have proved it today and made history. It has been unbelievable.

"My captain picked me to come and play and I owe it to him, and Seve, to be here today. It's pretty special."

Heading into the final day down 10-6, Europe staged a stunning comeback on Sunday to clinch the title 14½-13½ at Medinah Country Club. The day started in remarkable fashion for Olazabal's men, winning the first five singles matches to move ahead of their rivals.

One of those to taste victory on the final day was Justin Rose, who edged out Phil Mickelson 1Up. The Englishman says the victory still has not sunk in, but was quick to remember the inspiration of eight-time European team member Seve Ballesteros.

"We are in shock," Rose said. "We wanted to believe, we really did want to believe, but we had no illusions of how hard that day was going to be; four points against a team that's played so well all week.

"In the moment you've got to do what you've got to do, but as soon as I holed that putt (on the 18th), as soon as I came off the green, my first thought has been to Seve, absolutely."

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