Inches. That's how close JJ Spaun came to snagging that hole for the Americans but once again it's a halved hole.

Jon Rahm waves happily to someone in the crowd - but is that their final opportunity to level this match?

Europe one up with two holes to play here.

So attention turns to two games that still hang very finely in the balance.

If America don't win these two matches, the inquest will begin immediately.

To be honest, it's probably already started. Some very glum faces in US garb at the moment.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport golf news reporter at Bethpage Black

Image source, BBC Sport

After all the barbs, all the hostility, all the tension, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are finally hearing and feeling the love on the 18th green.

The pair cut loose with their emotion, punching the air and thumping their chests.

McIlroy throws his putter towards the sky.

John Murray
BBC Radio 5 Live golf commentator

The match is over. What a match. It has been titanic.

The two Irishmen have come through it. All sorts were thrown at them on the course and in the end they have come through and won it. What credit to the pair of them. Smiles all round on the green.

A lovely touch from Rory McIlroy as he pointedly goes over and thanks the match referee.

Did anyone see this coming??

Be honest...

Justin Thomas unable to make a putt which hands victory to Europe in match one.

A gritty, at times backs-to-the-wall perfomance, from Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy.

Normally golf is about battling the elements and the challenge of the course, but there's been an extra dimension into play here. Namely a hostile crowd.

This European pair have probably copped more flak from American supporters than anyone else at Bethpage Black.

They showed their mental fortitude to bank a point which edges their team closer to the Ryder Cup.

Tyrrell Hatton you little dancer.

The Englishman has maybe a nine iron in hand as he approaches the 15th but plays a beautiful shot to tuck his ball in five feet from the pin.

Patrick Cantlay duly piles the pressure on mind. The American is on the green and sinks his birdie attempt from maybe double the distance. Not a hint of nerves though from Hatton as he drops his putt in to halve yet another hole.

Justin Rose on the altercation on the 15th green:

"It was a shame it got to that point as it was a great match. I was waiting to putt and the boys were working on their read and their calculations. I waited a few seconds and then they came up again.

"I said 'it was my putt' but maybe I could have said it more politely. By no means was there any disrespect meant. I said if you want me to say "excuse me please" then my bad.

"I hope it is put to bed. It should be put to bed. There was no intent whatsoever. I admire Scottie more than anyone else on tour. It was something that was taken in a way that wasn't intended.

"I am just trying to control my environment in that moment."

Shane Lowry with a brilliant iron shot on the 18th which leaves him with a putt from a few feet.

Cameron Young and Justin Thomas both on the edge of the green.

Barring something spectacular, this match looks to be Europe's for the taking.

Catriona Matthew
Captain of Team Europe at the 2019 & 2021 Solheim Cup on BBC Radio 5 Live

They’ve combined really well together. Fleetwood’s played some great golf as well and has allowed Justin to go and make the birdies.

The Americans didn't do a whole lot wrong - they were just beaten by a better pairing on the day.

Alistair Bruce-Ball
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

One of the best performances I have ever seen in a Ryder Cup.

Tommy Fleetwood has been fantastic, but Justin Rose has done it time and time and time again with the putter.

There were perfectly pleasant handshakes after that putt dropped.

I'm sure a few comments in private will be made but that was friendly.

No need for Jon Rahm to sink the birdie as Sepp Straka's only gone and dunked in from 16 feet. The Europeans have just kept finding these.

That makes life even harder for the Americans and JJ Spaun misses his shorter putt.

Pressure on Xander Schauffele but he responds.

Hole halved and we carry on.

Justin Rose now. Same distance, opposite side of the hole.

IN!

Europe win 3&2.

Tommy Fleetwood has the first chance. Four feet.

Burns the edge and misses.

Now Scottie Scheffler. He has done nothing for about two hours.

Can he box this to win the hole and guarantee we go down 17?

Nope. Short. Imagine leaving that short!?

Europe with two chances to win the match.

Actually it is Justin Rose first.

A little clumsy.

Some meat left on that bone.

Bryson DeChambeau chips to eight feet. Four at best.

Tommy Fleetwood chips to three feet. Four possible.

US need a three really.

Over to you Scottie.

Shaun Micheel
2003 US PGA Championship winner on BBC Radio 5 Live at Bethpage Black

This seems to be the match.

Nobody cares about anything else but this match.

Image source, Getty Images

Rory McIlroy misses the chance to go in with his second shot, but Shane Lowry has plenty of ticker.

Once again the Irishman produces on the greens when it matters, sinking a tricky one from about five feet to halve the hole.

That should take the wind out of the sail of the USA after that Justin Thomas tee shot.