2012 Ryder Cup update: Europe wins first three singles matches of Sunday

Europe won the first three matches in the singles portion of the 2012 Ryder cup on Sunday, cutting a 10-6 United States lead to 10-9. Three matches are all squared, and one match that is nearing the end is led by the Europeans. But the Americans have one- or two-stroke advantages in the remaining five competitions.

In the first match to finish on Sunday's singles competition at the Medinah Country Club, England's Luke Donald defeated Bubba Watson 2 and 1 to give the Europeans a tad bit of hope for a comeback. Donald led Watson throughout, birdieing on two of the first four holes and building a four-stroke lead. Watson came on strong late, birdieing the 15th and 16th holes but didn't have enough left to make the full comeback.

Paul Lawrie followed that up with a victory over American Brandt Snedeker, winning 5 and 3.Lawrie got the upper hand on Snedeker with two consecutive birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, and he had five birdies to finish off the American at the 15th hole.

Rory McIlroy, who nearly missed his tee time on Sunday, defeated Ryder Cup newcomer Keegan Bradley, winning 2 and 1.