Thomas stays perfect in fourballs as US take 3-2 Presidents Cup lead

The United States took a 3-2 lead over the International team on the opening day of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club in Illinois on Thursday. Justin Thomas and debutant Jackson Koivun delivered the Americans' first point, with their partnership also extending Thomas's unbeaten record in fourballs.

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According to Golf Channel, Thomas moved to seven wins from seven Presidents Cup fourball matches after he and Koivun defeated Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria 4&3. The result brought Thomas level with Jordan Spieth's mark for wins without a defeat or tie in a single format; Spieth compiled his record in foursomes. Thomas said he had not known about the milestone.

Koivun, 21, told Golf Channel he felt unsettled over the first two holes before becoming more comfortable. He credited Thomas with helping him through the moments when his own play faltered. Thomas, in turn, praised the rookie's contribution under pressure. Captain Brandt Snedeker welcomed their start but stressed that the opening session represented only part of the contest, with four sessions still to come.

BBC Sport reported that Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns supplied another American victory against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im. Scheffler won the 17th hole before the pair completed their success. Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa also won, beating Adam Scott and Ryan Fox 3&2 after leading from the first hole.

The International team kept the deficit to one point through two clear victories of its own. Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune defeated Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele 3&1, while Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim overcame Chris Gotterup and Patrick Cantlay 3&2, according to BBC Sport's report.

The Americans are seeking an 11th successive Presidents Cup title. Geoff Ogilvy's International side is pursuing its second victory in the biennial competition, having last won in 1998. Thursday's results left that challenge open after the five opening fourball matches.

Friday brings five foursomes matches in the alternate-shot format. Saturday's programme contains four morning fourball matches and four afternoon foursomes, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday. A team needs 15½ points to win the cup.