The United States took a 3-2 lead over the International team after the opening fourballs session at the Presidents Cup in Illinois. The result strengthens the US bid for an 11th consecutive title, although the International side remains within touching distance ahead of Friday’s foursomes.

Justin Thomas and rookie Jackson Koivun, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, and Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa won for the US. Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune, plus Kim Si-woo and Tom Kim, secured the International team’s two victories; the first side to reach 15½ points will win.