GREENSBORO, Ga. (AP) -Chris Starkjohann and Chip Sullivan were unbeatable partners Saturday in leading a strong rally in the PGA Cup that gave the United States a 9-7 lead over Great Britain & Ireland in matches between club professionals.

The Americans tied the matches at 6 after taking 2 points in the morning session of foursomes, with Starkjohann and Sullivan leading the way with a 3-and-2 victory over Andrew Barnett and Duncan Muscroft.

GB&I did well to keep it close in the afternoon fourballs. The Americans at one point led in every match, winning the first three before Muscroft and George Ryall wound up with a 2-and-1 victory in the final match against the U.S. team of Ron Philo Jr. and Lee Rinker.

Tim Thelan also won two matches for the United States.

, teaming with Philo in the morning foursomes and with Butch Sheehan to win in the afternoon.

The United States has a 14-5-3 record in the PGA Cup and has never lost on its home soil. The trophy will be decided Sunday by 10 singles matches on The Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation.

AP-ES-09-22-07 1957EDT