Bjorn proud of European comeback

Thomas Bjørn's bold decision to turn to experience created Ryder Cup history as Team Europe recorded their first ever foursomes whitewash at Le Golf National. 

Bjørn turned to Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia as Europe searched for a way back in the biennial event, and the call provved to be a masterclass.

Europe had managed just two whitewash sessions in Ryder Cup history, but both of the 4-0 wins came in the fourballs format with the most recent of those coming at The Belfry in 1989.

Europe trailed after a disappointing morning fourballs, where the heroics of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari ensured the hosts finally got on the scoreboard with a 3 and 1 win over Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed in the anchor match.

But following their landmark foursomes result, Europe overturned a two-point deficit to lead 5-3 after day one in Paris.

"We believe in it as a group," said Bjorn. "We are a team and we do it with all 12. That was the plan through the whole week. We wanted to get everybody on the golf course today and we did that," Bjorn said.

"Those guys that sat out this morning, I'm very proud of what they did because they came out and showed quality and class in what they did. This was obviously a wonderful afternoon.

"We go home with a good taste in our mouth tonight and then we regroup for tomorrow."

Fleetwood capped off a wonderful Ryder Cup debut with two wins from two matches as the Englishman and Molinari sealed the historic session with a 5 and 4 success against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in the anchor match.

"We were walking down six and we said 'sounds a little bit better this afternoon', and the energy that comes off those guys going in front, I don't really know how to describe it." Fleetwood said.