Lyle Leads Europeans in a Rout of U.S. Golfers

Sandy Lyle provided a spectacular turnaround as Europe beat the United States in five of six matches and took an 18-point lead Thursday in the second round of the inaugural Nissan Cup World Championship golf tournament.

The Americans, only one shot off the lead going into the day’s play, gained only two points and dropped back into third place in the round-robin, four-team competition.

“Now, we’re in a dogfight with Australia just to get in the finals,” said American captain Ray Floyd, who scored the only points for the U.S. team.

Two shots down with two holes to play, Floyd made up three shots on Gordon Brand Jr. on the 17th and 18th to win, 71-72.

The Europeans won the rest of the matches, including Lyle’s comeback against Corey Pavin. Pavin had a one-shot lead until Lyle holed out from the fairway for an eagle-2 on the 16th and went on to a 67-69 victory.

After two rounds, Europe had 38 points, Australia 21, the United States 20 and Japan 8.

The United States plays Japan, and Europe plays Australia today. The two teams with the most points after three rounds meet for the championship Saturday.