Newport, Wales ? The Americans stood behind the 18th green with smiles rarely seen on European soil as they watched yet another match go their way Saturday in the Ryder Cup.

They won the opening two sessions. They had a 6-4 lead over Europe. They grabbed lunch and headed back out to the golf course.

And then, it all changed.

Two hours later, Europe was leading all six matches when darkness stopped play at Celtic Manor. The Americans still had the lead. It just didn’t feel that way. And with so much European blue on the scoreboard, it didn’t even look that way.

“Momentum is key in these matches, and we haven’t had any yet,” European captain Colin Montgomerie said. “And it’s been a superb session from the moment that we set off.”

No points are awarded until a match is over, but it was looking good for Europe — especially with Lee Westwood and Luke Donald handing Tiger Woods one of his worst beatings ever in a Ryder Cup. They were 4 up over Woods and Steve Stricker through nine holes.

“I’d say it wasn’t a bad thing that it got dark,” U.S. captain Corey Pavin said.

Heavy rain was in the forecast for today, with 12 singles matches to play after the third session is completed. A stoppage would result in the first Monday finish in Ryder Cup history.