Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im Smash Presidents Cup Record with Historic 7 and 6 Victory!
2024-09-27
Author: Ying
MONTREAL – In a stunning kick-off to Friday's Foursomes session, the International Team needed to regain momentum after a humiliating sweep the day before. And did they ever!
Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im delivered an electrifying performance by dominating Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 7 and 6, tying the Presidents Cup record for the shortest match in the competition's 30-year history.
This record-breaking victory was a celebrated moment for the home team, marking their first point of the week and sparking hopes of a remarkable comeback in a format where they have previously struggled.
When Matsuyama and Im finished their commanding win, the International Team was ahead in three out of four remaining matches, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
Historically, this victory offers sweet revenge for Matsuyama, who faced defeat alongside Adam Scott against the same American duo just two years ago.
The stark contrast in performance during this match was palpable; Cantlay and Schauffele, who were undefeated in their previous Foursomes appearances, failed to win a single hole.
Meanwhile, the International Team showcased surgical efficiency, missing only two fairways and greens throughout the match.
The day started unfavorably for the American duo, with a three-putt costing them the opening hole.
However, Im quickly put the International canaries on the board by hitting a remarkable wedge shot to six feet for birdie at the second hole.
From that point on, the duo went on to make an impressive seven consecutive birdies, illustrating their flawless ball-striking abilities.
Highlights of their stellar play included Im’s brilliant 250-yard second shot on the par-5 sixth, and Matsuyama's exceptional bunker shot on the par-5 twelfth that set up the winning putt, sealing their fate.
"Our vibe was amazing from the start," said Im. "Hideki and I complemented each other perfectly, and when I hit a good shot, he finished it off. We really gelled as a team today."
This defeat marks a daunting trend for the American side, having recorded their second consecutive year of a record loss in Foursomes matches.
Last year at the Ryder Cup, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka faced a staggering 9 and 7 defeat, setting a new low in Ryder Cup history.
As the International Team celebrates their new history-making victory, the stakes are raised for future encounters.
With a well-established pairing like Cantlay and Schauffele now humbled, fans wonder what's next for the spirited competition.
Will the American side bounce back, or are we in the midst of a resurgence for the International Team? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: The Presidents Cup just got a lot more exciting!