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These results fuel optimism for a successful Ryder Cup defence for Europe at Bethpage in September.

His Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood was three shots further back at five under par, alongside English compatriot Aaron Rai who increased his chances of featuring against the US at Bethpage in New York later this year with another composed round.

And then there is the chance to do something extraordinary in Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team at Bethpage in New York this September.

Donald said on the eve of the event that it is of "massive importance", while players from both sides were subjected to chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A" over the PA system during practise days in preparation for what is expected to be a hostile crowd at Bethpage.

By no means a final audition, the event does provide potentially valuable experience and an opportunity for Donald to run the rule over likely Ryder Cup candidates for September's daunting showdown at Bethpage Black.