The US established a commanding 4-1 lead after yesterday's foursomes, but after today's five fourballs clashes they are now only in front 5½-4½ after losing three of them.

South African pairing Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace, who won the international side's sole point yesterday, got their team up and running with a 4&3 win over America's Dustin Johnson and world number one Jordan Spieth.

There was also home success as South Korean Bae Sang-moon and New Zealand's Danny Lee saw off Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed with a one up win.

The US team of Zach Johnson and Phil Mickelson halved their contest with Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott, but the match was embroiled in controversy on the seventh hole with the match all square.

Mickelson used a different type of ball from the one which he began the match, and his team were penalised as the scoreboard was adjusted to put Day and Scott one up.

However, the drama didn't end there as Mickelson was told, incorrectly, that he was not allowed to play the remainder of the hole which Day won with a birdie to put his team two ahead.

He should have been allowed to continue with Mark Russell, chairman of the Match Committee, saying afterwards that he took full responsibility for the misinterpretation of the rules.

The Americans battled back to claim a share of the spoils but the missed chance to win the contest could yet prove crucial.

The only success of the day for the US came as Bubba Watson and J.B Holmes repeated their opening day triumph by winning 2 up against Australians Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch.

Team International were to claim a third win though as South Africa's Charl Schwartzel and Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee proved too strong for Bill Haas and Chris Kirk, 2&1.

It means the contest is very much in the balance with four fourballs and four foursomes due on day three tomorrow.

The Presidents Cup, held every two years, pits the US against an international team made up of players from outside Europe in a matchplay format similar to the Ryder Cup.

The US have won the last five editions and are captained by Jay Haas, father of Bill, with Zimbabwean Nick Price skippering the international team.

Twelve singles matches will conclude the event on Sunday.



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