GEORGE (South Africa), Nov 20: The Internationals recovered from trailing in four of the six opening foursomes on Thursday to take a lead of 3-1/2 points to 2-1/2 over holders the United States on the first day of the Presidents Cup.

Although the Internationals moved 2-1 ahead early on, the U.S. appeared to be in overall control, winning the second foursomes match out and staying ahead in three others.

Former major winners Retief Goosen of South Africa and Fiji’s Vijay Singh provided early cheer for the Internationals, beating American rookies Jerry Kelly and Chris DiMarco 3 and 2 in an alternate shot contest they always dominated.

But the Americans levelled at 1-1 when Davis Love III and Kenny Perry outplayed Australia’s Peter Lonard and South African Tim Clark 4 and 2. Love sealed the win by chipping in for eagle from just off the edge of the 16th green.

Nick Price and U.S. Masters champion Mike Weir then clinched a gripping encounter for the Internationals, twice coming back from two down and collecting birdies on 17 and at the last to edge out U.S. duo David Toms and Phil Mickelson by a hole.

Foursomes results:

David Toms/Phil Mickelson lost to Nick Price/Mike Weir one up; Chris DiMarco/Jerry Kelly lost to Retief Goosen /Vijay Singh 3 & 2; Davis Love III/Kenny Perry beat Peter Lonard/Tim Clark 4 & 2; Justin Leonard/Jim Furyk lost to Ernie Els/Adam Scott one up; Jay Haas/Fred Funk v Robert Allenby/Stephen Leaney all square; Tiger Woods/Charles Howell III bt Stuart Appleby /K.J.Choi 4 & 3.

Internationals 3-1/2 United States 2-1/2 after first day.—Reuters