Melbourne (AFP)

The United States of Tiger Woods had an unprecedented comeback in the single finals on Sunday in Melbourne to win the Presidents Cup golf against the international team which had led the first three days.

Led 10-8 at the start of the day, the American team had a spectacular comeback, Matt Kuchar ensuring the victory (16-14) by winning the penultimate game.

No team led for the first three days has managed to reverse this situation since the creation in 1994 of this competition between the Americans and an international selection made up of non-European players.

The United States thus consolidates their grip on the event, which they won 11 times in 13 editions, for a draw and a single defeat in 1998.

Captain Tiger Woods, who was competing in his 9th Presidents Cup as a player, took responsibility by competing and winning the first single of the day against Mexican Abraham Ancer.

Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson then reinforced the American grip on the day largely won by the Woods men (8-4).

"I was part of teams that won. I also unfortunately participated in this Presidents Cup that we lost", said the man with 15 Grand Slam tournament victories, referring to the 1998 defeat in Melbourne.

"So coming here and winning here this way, with this team in particular, is an honor for me as a player and even more an honor to be their captain," he added.

American President Donald Trump, a great lover of golf, immediately praised the triumph of the United States.

"Congratulations to Tiger and the entire American team for their great comeback and their huge VICTORY. Real champions," he tweeted.

With his success in a single Sunday, Woods, almost 44 years old, now has the best personal record in the Presidents Cup with 27 victories, 15 defeats and 1 draw, ahead of his compatriot Phil Mickelson (26 victories, 16 defeats, 13 draws).

Results that contrast with those much less brilliant of the Tiger in Ryder Cup, the competition which opposes the United States every two years to Europe, where its record is 13 victories, 21 defeats and three draws.

The disappointment is great for the South African Ernie Els, captain of the international team which he dreamed of leading to a second success in the competition.

"I could have made different choices for the singles. I take responsibility for it," he said.

"I followed a 100 percent plan and it didn't work out completely, but we ended up close," added the 50-year-old Grand Slam tournament winner.

Final score

USA beat International Team 16-14

Sunday singles

International team - United States 4-8

Tiger Woods (USA) beats Abraham Ancer (MEX) 3 and 2

Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) tied with Tony Finau (USA)

Patrick Reed (USA) defeats CT Pan (TPE) 4 and 2

Dustin Johnson (USA) defeats Li Haotong 4 and 3

Adam Hadwin (CAN) tied with Bryson DeChambeau (USA)

Im Sung-jae (KOR) beats Gary Woodland (USA) 4 and 3

Patrick Cantlay (USA) beats Joaquin Niemann (CHL) 3 and 2

Xander Schauffele (USA) beats Adam Scott (AUS) 2 and 1

Webb Simpson (USA) defeats An Byeong-hun (KOR) 2 and 1

Cameron Smith (AUS) beats Justin Thomas (USA) 2 and 1

Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) tied with Matt Kuchar (USA)

Marc Leishman (AUS) tied with Rickie Fowler (USA)

© 2019 AFP