Viktor Hovland out injured as Europe confirm late swap for Ryder Cup fourballs match

Viktor Hovland was ruled out injured for Europe in the Ryder Cup fourballs with Tyrrell Hatton replacing him and going on to win one up with Matt Fitzpatrick against Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns on a fiery Saturday at Bethpage.

The pair won on the last with birdie putts conceded in the anchor match of the fourballs, with Europe clinching a 11.5-4.5 advantage over the USA heading into Sunday singles.

"Luke said to me after my match with Jon, 'be ready', I was warming up on the range, I thought Viktor would go out,” Hatton said after his fourballs match.

“Then Luke said to me, "T, you're up." It was a complete switch in my mental state, I struggled in periods, but to play like that at the end, is amazing, what an atmosphere now."

Hovland had earlier delivered one of the moments of day two in New York when he made a long putt on the 17th hole to retain a one up lead against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley.

The Norwegian and Scottish partner Bob MacIntyre celebrated wildly, before sealing the victory one up with a par on the 18th.

Hovland could be seen in a deep conversation with captain Luke Donald in the middle of the 18th green afterwards.

As part of the captain's agreement, specifically item 3.c), which states: “It is agreed that in the event of illness, injury or other emergency reason to a player selected to play in a match, he may be substituted by another member of the team previously not selected, prior to the commencement of this match.”

Hovland is not though to be a risk for Sunday singles, and should line up for Donald after going 1-1-0 so far this week, updating his overall record to 4-5-3.

Hatton was in good form before the afternoon session, having joined forces once more with Jon Rahm to down Xander Schauffele and Cantlay in foursomes, winning 3&2.

Hovland had also been targeted by American fans in that final match on the course during the morning session on day two.

The Norwegian is one of the most liked players on tour, with Europe legend Lee Westwood left baffled by the abuse directed towards the 28-year-old.

The LIV Golf star said: “There’s something seriously wrong with you if you’re booing Victor Hovland! Nicest guy in the world!”