THE Molinari brothers put Europe ahead by nine and a half points to six and a half after halving with Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

One up overnight, the Molinaris missed several chances to extend their lead and were made to pay as Kuchar made three birdies in four holes from the 10th.

A birdie on the 15th got the Italian brothers back on level terms but they gifted their opponents the next as Francesco's fragile putting let him down once more.

The Americans could only manage a par on the 18th however and, after Edoardo missed from 10 feet for birdie, Francesco somehow held his nerve to hole from four feet for a brilliant closing birdie.

Europe now need just five more for victory in tomorrow's 12 singles.