SUNDAY SINGLES:THERE'S NO room for anything other than the score on a card, which underlines the fact it's the number of strokes rather than the calibre of shot that matters.

This is perhaps best exemplified in the matchplay format where it's not necessarily about playing well but playing well enough.

Phil Mickelson completely eclipsed Justin Rose for the first five holes at Valhalla yesterday in terms of shot quality, greens in regulation and birdie opportunities but when the pair strode to the sixth tee box, the match was all square.

Three times in the first five holes, one of Europe's Ryder Cup rookies got up and down from a bunker. That demands more than mere ability.

Mickelson has been chastised for underachieving in previous Ryder Cups but this week, released from the shadow of Tiger Woods, he has relished his role, largely in tandem with young sensation Anthony Kim.

When the grandstand at the first tee picked up his familiar loping gait as he crossed the bridge from the putting green, there was an explosion of noise.

In terms of affection, Mickelson's popularity here rivals that of Kentuckians JB Holmes and Kenny Perry, even comparing favourably with the charismatic allure of Boo Weekley.

The first tee introductions offered an insight into the mindset of the respective players, Mickelson politely touching the peak of his cap, Rose's steely eyed glare, broken briefly as he pointed his driver towards the galleries in acknowledgement of the applause.

The Englishman knew the importance of his role. America had loaded the top of their singles line-up in an effort to generate momentum.

The Englishman clung on tenaciously and his enterprise would be rewarded on the sixth. Mickelson revealed a chink when missing his first green and his failure to get up and down handed Rose the lead.

The European voices in the gallery got even louder at the next when Rose struck a glorious wedge to two feet.

A marshal had saved Mickelson's tee shot from careering into the water but it was to prove a temporary redemption. Rose allowed himself a subdued fist pump, his blazing eyes a window to his feelings.

He saved from the sand again on eight, holing another clutch putt, this time from four feet.

It was the 10th hole though that effectively decided the outcome when the Englishman almost holed his second shot for the par five for an albatross, the ball coming to rest 10 feet from the hole.

A birdie sufficed to put him three up, Mickelson's body language after missing from 10 feet articulating the inner turmoil. Rose nudged his lead to four up and although his opponent extended the match to the 16th with a winning birdie, it was a temporary reprieve.

The American team's inexorable march to Ryder Cup success was catalogued by cheering and chanting around the four corners of Valhalla and Mickelson's relief was almost palpable when Rose rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt to bring the match to a conclusion.

Rose reached for his cap, thrusting it into the blue Kentucky skies, where his putter was already pointed. Fist clenched, the outlet for his pent-up adrenaline was a sustained roar.

Little did he know it would be plaintive cry on the final day of the Ryder Cup.

Mickelson will seek solace in the overall victory, while for Rose - three points from four matches - personal success may seem a little bit hollow for 24 hours but he can look back on his Ryder Cup debut with pride.