European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal believes that Ian Poulter has given Europe a "slim chance" of retaining the Ryder Cup at Medinah.
The Englishman sank vital putts on the back stretch last night to ensure that he and Rory McIlroy defeated Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson one up in the final match.
That result means that Europe trail 10-6 heading into today's 12 singles matches, facing a seemingly insurmountable task to keep their hands on the famous trophy.
"Ian Poulter gave us a chance last night," Olazabal told BBC Sport. "It's a slim chance and obviously it will be difficult, but it has been done in the past.
"I could have had any order today. I wanted to put the guys that are on fire, playing well, on those first spots and try to win as many points as possible. I rested Luke on Friday afternoon and told him he is one of my important men. Many of the others are big hitters who are in good form."
Poulter goes out second today against US Open champion Webb Simpson.
Michael Penkman
