NEWPORT, Wales — The Europe team held early leads on U.S. golfers at the Ryder Cup in Wales this morning when heavy rain halted play halfway through the fourball matches.

Europe's Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer were 2-up through five holes on Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the leadoff match. Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy were 1 up on Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar after four holes, the same edge that Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher held on Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker through No. 3.

U.S. rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton were 2-up on Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald.

Officials were optimistic about restarting play later this afternoon.