The Internationals recovered from trailing in four of the six opening foursomes today to take a lead of 3-1/2 points to 2-1/2 over holders the United States on the first day of the Presidents Cup.
Although the Internationals moved 2-1 ahead early on, the US appeared to be in overall control, winning the second foursomes match out and staying ahead in three others.
Retief Goosen of South Africa and Fiji's Vijay Singh provided early cheer for the Internationals, beating American rookies Jerry Kelly and Chris DiMarco 3 and 2 in a contest they always dominated.
But the Americans levelled at 1-1 when Davis Love III and Kenny Perry outplayed Australia's Peter Lonard and South African Tim Clark 4 and 2. Love sealed the win by chipping in for eagle from just off the edge of the 16th green.
Nick Price and US Masters champion Mike Weir then clinched a gripping encounter for the Internationals, twice coming back from two down and collecting birdies on 17 and at the last to edge out US duo David Toms and Phil Mickelson by a hole.
However, the Americans once again levelled, world number one Tiger Woods and Charles Howell III outclassing Australian Stuart Appleby and South Korea's K.J. Choi 4 and 3.
US Open champion Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard seemed to have their match against Ernie Els and Australia's Adam Scott in control, and were two ahead with three to play. But the Americans succumbed to the pressure and the fast-finishing Els and Scott birdied the final three holes to triumph one up.