IAN Poulter's ruthless triumph takes Europe just four short of the required winning total.
"It's massive,’’ said Poulter. "Matt had been unbeaten in his matches so far, so I knew it was going to be a tough game.
"Every single putt we hole out there is like a tournament victory. It's simply incredible.
"I love team golf, I love match play and I love competing.’’ A pulsating contest between European Ryder Cup rookie Rory McIlroy and former Open champion Stewart Cink, meanwhile, moved down the 18th all square.
The lead had changed hands several times, and with Cink on the green in three, McIlroy needed to get close from a right-hand bunker.
But his shot went on to the fringe of the green, then rolled back into the bunker, handing Cink a chance for the match from 15 feet.
He sent it agonisingly wide from an American perspective, leaving McIlroy with a five-footer to tie the match, and he kept his nerve as Europe led 11-9 with four games completed.
Match 4: Martin Kaymer lost to Dustin Johnson 6 & 4
Match 5: Ian Poulter bt Matt Kuchar 5 & 4
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