Team Europe’s Tyrrell Hatton has stepped in to partner with Matt Fitzpatrick in a crucial fourballs match, replacing Viktor Hovland, who was sidelined due to a neck injury. Europe maintained its dominance in the Ryder Cup on Saturday with a strong showing in the morning foursomes session.
Luke Donald’s team, following a commanding victory over Team USA on Friday, continued their momentum without a hitch. Initially, Hovland was set to pair up with Fitzpatrick for the day’s final session against Keegan Bradley’s duo of Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay. However, a last-minute withdrawal by Hovland led to Hatton filling in for him.
Hatton, fresh off a successful foursomes win with Jon Rahm earlier in the day, was called upon by Donald to join forces with Fitzpatrick. The decision came after Hovland received treatment for his neck injury in the morning, prompting concerns about his availability for the afternoon matches.
Despite Hovland’s absence in the fourballs session, he managed to contribute to Europe’s score in the morning foursomes alongside MacIntyre. Their victory over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley added another point to Europe’s total, bringing the score to 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 going into the afternoon matches.
According to the Captains Agreement rules, Hatton was a legitimate substitution for Hovland due to the latter’s injury. Donald expressed confidence in Hatton’s abilities to step up in Hovland’s place, assuring that Hovland is expected to participate in the singles session on Sunday.
With Rasmus Hojgaard being the only European player not in action, Donald emphasized the importance of adaptability for the team on the second day of the Ryder Cup. He highlighted the fluid nature of Saturday’s matches and expressed excitement about the strong groups assembled for the upcoming session.