2012 Ryder Cup: Dufner performs well, but U.S. chokes down the stretch

Europe retained the Ryder Cup on Sunday by defeating the United States, 14½-13½. They needed a huge comeback to do it, as the United States held a 10-4 lead at one point on Saturday, before Europe took the last two matches of the day and carried the momentum into Sunday.

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson gave the Americans a six-match advantage after their defeat of Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari in four-ball action on Saturday afternoon, but Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker fell to Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald in the following match, and the downward spiral began there. Cleveland, Ohio native Jason Dufner and four-ball partner Zach Johnson dropped a close one to Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter to cap off the second day, which got the Europeans back to within four matches.

Dufner was otherwise excellent, as he and Johnson won their other two four-ball matches. In Sunday's singles action, Dufner dispatched of Peter Hanson, winning 2-up. Unfortunately for the Americans, it was one of only three singles victories, as Europe won eight on their way toward storming back to retain the cup. Martin Kaymer defeated Stricker, 1-up, in the clincher. That left Woods and Molinari playing an ultimately meaningless 18th hole, which Woods basically forfeited after missing a par putt.

To see the full list of results, click here.