Golf-United States win Ryder Cup, ending losing streak (Reuters)

(updates after first matches won)

CHASKA, Minnesota, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Henrik Stenson and rookies Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera-Bello closed the Ryder Cup gap for Europe in Sunday's deciding 12 singles, but the Americans seemed headed for victory with leads in matches still on the course.

Offsetting the strong start for Europe was American firebrand Patrick Reed, who clinched a sensational lead-off match against Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy at the last with a five-foot birdie putt for a 1-up victory.

The early results made the score 10-1/2 to 9-1/2 in favour of the U.S. side, which began the day with a three-point lead.

The United States need to reach 14-1/2 points to claim the golden…