BLOOMFIELD HILLS, United States (AFP) - A rampaging Europe all-but assured themselves of retaining the Ryder Cup when they took a massive record 11-5 lead going into Sunday's decisive singles matches.

A crushing 3-1 victory in Saturday afternoon's foursomes means the Europeans only have to take three points from the 12 singles to take the cup back home on the plane with them.

American hopes that the Tiger Woods-Davis Love pairing could secure a much-needed point ran into the battling Irish duo of Padraig Harrington and 2002 Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley.

American captain Hal Sutton's decision to pair Woods with Love as he chased after the five points he insisted the US needed to keep their hopes alive appeared to be the right one as they won the first two holes to go two up.

But from then on it was downhill.

The Irishmen moved up a gear and began applying the pressure and by the time they reached the 14th tee they had stretched themselves three ahead and marched toward a 4-and-3 victory.

In the opening match, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood made quick work of Jay Haas and Chris DiMarco, rushing to a 5-and-4 victory to give the Europeans a winning start to the afternoon session.

Sergio Garcia and rookie Luke Donald quickly got ahead of Jim Furyk and Fred Funk and never looked back, despite a brave struggle from the Americans, snatching victory on the last hole to win one up.

The only sour note for Europe was the destruction of Frenchman Thomas Levet and Miguel Angel Jimenez by Phil Mickelson, recalled by American captain Hal Sutton after been dropped for the morning four balls, and David Toms.

With Levet unable to buy a putt, the Americans ran out easy 4 and 3 winners.

But there is no doubt that Europe's ability to take such a commanding lead is all down to the rookie pair of Paul Casey and David Howell.

In the morning four-balls the Americans were poised to deliver a crushing defeat and get themselves back into the match after Europe took a five-point lead on Friday.

But when Casey snatched a dramatic last hole victory in the final match of the morning four-balls he brought the rampaging US machine to a grinding halt.

If the 27-year-old had not made his snaking three-footer the US, still smarting after their thrashing on Friday, would have moved to within two points.

European captain Bernhard Langer had nothing but praise for his all rookie duo of Casey and David Howell.

"They came into the contest with their A-games and I'm proud of both of them. Their win was vital because we know that momentum swings are common in this game.

"Paul and David just played some of the best golf you will ever see from two partners makinmg their debuts together in the Ryder Cup," enthused Langer.

Casey, who plays on the US and European tours and was educated in America, said he and Howell were determined to fight to the death in their duel with Furyk and Chad Campbell.

"We weren't going to give an inch," said Casey.

Casey and Howell got themselves two up by the time they reached tghe 12th tee but then Furyk went on a birdie blitz and suddenly the Engish duo were one down and staring at defeat.

But a birdie by Howell at the par-three 17th pulled them all level and Casey sealed the win on 18.

Howell insists they were aided by the fact they were both making their Ryder Cup debut.

"I think it was almost good for us that we were not playing with an experienced player. We just knew we had to reply on each other and we had to stand up and be counted.

"It was a case of, 'Let's get stuck in and do as well as we can'. I think that worked to our advantage," explained Howell.

Colin Montgomerie, the hero on the opening day when he and Padraig Harrington won both their matches on Friday, had nothing but praise for the rookie couple and the importance of their win.

"It was a hugh, hugh victory. To win the last two holes was massive. To do that was hugh for the European cause, massive," said the 41-year-old Scot.