Keegan Bradley was the star for Davis Love’s US squad. Photo Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ieRory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell were mown down by Davis Love’s new superstar pairing as the USA moved ominously into a 5-3 lead after the opening day of the Ryder Cup.

Padraig Harrington hits his tee shot on the 17th at Sawgrass.Padraig Harrington battled through the pain barrier after an injury to his dodgy right knee threatened to derail his challenge for The Players at Sawgrass.

The 39-year old Dubliner, who went under the knife to remove damaged cartilage in his right knee almost 12 months ago, complained in practice of a “stabbing pain” during his takeaway and will have treatment before his second round today.

Harrington hit just four fairways and was forced to rely on his putting as he opened with a one over par 73 to trail leader Nick Watney by nine shots as Graeme McDowell regained some form with an encouraging 67.