McIlroy loses winning streak
Rory McIlroy lost his unbeaten record as Asia-Pacific took a one-point lead over Europe into the final day of the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in New Zealand.
The Holywood teenager - 17 next week - had nine birdies with Scot Richard Ramsay as they beat Aussies Won Joon Lee and Andrew Dodt one up in the fourballs.
But the West of Ireland and Irish Close champion tasted defeat for the first time after lunch as Asia-Pacific came storming back in the foursomes at Auckland Golf Club.
Trailing 9-6, the hosts won four matches and halved another to take the lead for the first time, 10.5 - 9.5.
McIlroy and Ramsay faced Lee and Dodt once more in the alternate shot format but lost by one hole as the Australian pair birdied the 18th.
English Walker Cup pair Oliver Fisher and Gary Wolstenholme looked destined to win Europe's only point when they eagled the 17th to go one up against Kiwis Mark Purser and Josh Geary.
But the home players birdied the last to salvage a half and give Asia-Pacific a slim, one-point lead with 12 singles matches to come today.
Asia-Pacific team captain Roger Brennand was surprised to be in front entering the singles.
The New Zealander said: “We didn’t have the best of starts but they fought back well this afternoon.
"We knew we could not afford to lose ground today but I did not envisage we would go into the singles with a lead."
Asia-Pacific is seeking a hat-trick of wins in the biennial match.
