By Mark Lamport-Stokes

Sergio Garcia was in inspirational form as holders Europe took a healthy step towards retaining the Ryder Cup at the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland, on Friday.

 The hosts led 5-3 at the end of the opening day as they chased a fifth victory in six biennial meetings with the United States.

One point clear after the morning's fourballs, Europe pressed home their advantage in a tense afternoon session of foursomes to take a significant lead into the second day.

"That was unbelievable. I think my team played exceptionally well, every single one of them," European captain Ian Woosnam told reporters. "It was a marvellous day for us and the spirit in the team room is incredible.

"Sergio just lifted his game. He's on top form, which he always seems to be able do at the Ryder Cup.

"Playing the alternate-shot format in the afternoon, Garcia and Luke Donald completed a thrilling two-up victory over world No.1 Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk when the Americans bogeyed the last after finding water with their second shot. It was Garcia's seventh victory in seven foursomes Cup appearances and his third win in four pairs games against Woods.

In the day's final match, Europe's talisman Colin Montgomerie holed a five-foot birdie putt as he and fellow Brit Lee Westwood squared a high-quality encounter with US Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.

Irish duo Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley, cheered on by passionate home crowds, had to settle for a half with Chad Campbell and rookie Zach Johnson after leading by two holes with three to play.

Briton David Howell and Swedish rookie Henrik Stenson, one up with four to play against Stewart Cink and David Toms, were also left clinging on for a half after bogeying the 15th.

In the morning session, Europe had taken a 2½-1½ lead  after the US drew first blood  when Woods and Furyk shaded Montgomerie and Harrington one up.

Spanish pair Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal then outclassed Toms and Brett Wetterich 3 and 2 before big-hitters Paul Casey of Britain and Swedish rookie Robert Karlsson halved a pulsating battle with Cink and first-timer J.J. Henry.

In the final match of the morning, wildcards Darren Clarke and Westwood won a tight and emotional contest with Mickelson and DiMarco one up.

US captain Tom Lehman said: "Both teams played well but we could have done with a little more luck on the greens.

"It's 5-3, it's still anybody's ball game. I don't really feel too concerned but I feel a little frustrated."