Ryder Cup 2018 opening ceremony as it happened: Europe and USA opening pairs announced

The two captains, Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk, introduced their respective line-ups for Friday morning's play as the famous battle between Europe and USA begins

Ryder Cup 2018 Footage of Le Golf National in Paris

Fourball pairings

1. Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau (US) vs Justin Rose and Jon Rahm (Europe). 
2. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler (US) vs Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen (Eur)
3. Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas (US) vs Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton (Eur)
4. Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods (US) vs Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood (Eur)

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What is it?

The opening ceremony is hosted by France football legend David Ginoa and will feature live music from the Kaiser Chiefs and French artist Jain. Films and clips from previous tournaments will be show as the excitement and tension builds ahead of Friday's first event.

When is it?

The opening ceremony takes place on Thursday 27 September, a day before the Ryder Cup starts on Friday 28 September.

What time is it?

The opening ceremony begins at 16:00 BST, 17:00 local time, and will last around 90 minutes.

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports will be showing live coverage on their dedicated Ryder Cup channel and online for Sky customers on the Sky Go app.

[27 September 2018 12:53 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Hello and welcome along to live coverage of the 2018 Ryder Cup...'s opening ceremony.

This is what it's all about, isn't it? The pageantry, the showmanship, the razzmatazz. A brooding dislike for one another. Blue. Red. Stars. Stripes. waving. You can expect all that and more as French football legend David Ginola (obviously) hosts the ceremony at a purpose built arena at Le Golf National, the venue for the tournament, with over 40,000 fans expected to be in attendance. 

The two captains, Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk will be introduced and reveal their respective line-ups for Friday morning's play. Here's some pre-hype reading courtesy of Jonathan Liew:

[27 September 2018 16:03 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Here we go! The opening ceremony is under way, in the form of a slick VT featuring David Ginola. Lots of Ginola highlights spring to mind but here's my favourite:

[27 September 2018 16:05 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Now the Kaiser Chiefs are playing OK hit 'Ruby'. More as we get it.

[27 September 2018 16:09 · Lawrence Ostlere]

David Ginola is attempting to introduce whatever's next, but has been drowned out by chants of "Europe!" from the exuberant crowds around him. It turns out he was trying to introduce La Marseillaise:

[27 September 2018 16:14 · Lawrence Ostlere]

The captains, Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk, are on stage with Mr Ginola. "What is harder, playing or captaining?" asks Ginola. "Watching!" replies Furyk. Lovely exchange. 

[27 September 2018 16:18 · Lawrence Ostlere]

The players stride on to the stage. Suits and sunglasses are in vogue.

[27 September 2018 16:24 · Lawrence Ostlere]

After the anthems, Jim Furyk is now talking about the history of the relationship between US and France. Mentions the gift of the Statue of Liberty and WWII as highlights. "The US Team will wear the symbol of the Statue of Liberty this weekend," he says. "Merci beaucoup".

[27 September 2018 16:29 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Furyk describes Le Golf National as "magnifique". He thanks various other stakeholders, ending on the fans. He signs off with a call to sportsmanship. "It's who we are. It's in that spirit that we enter the Ryder Cup. To Thomas: you are more than a competitor, you are our friend." Next he introduces the team one by one. 

[27 September 2018 16:34 · Lawrence Ostlere]

A reminder of the US team:

Brooks Koepka

Dustin Johnson

Justin Thomas

Patrick Reed

Bubba Watson

Jordan Spieth

Rickie Fowler

Webb Simpson

Bryson DeChambeau

Phil Mickelson

Tiger Woods

Tony Finau

[27 September 2018 16:40 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Thomas Bjorn also extends some platitudes to France, the organisers, the fans, the US team and his own. He adds: "This is the one time when Europe is united. This is the week more than ever that that flag represents the boundary of this great continent. The history books show that together we achieved great things, and this week we aim to add to that story."