This week’s disc golf festivities in Nokia Finland teed off today with the 5th Presidents Cup competition between Team Europe and Team USA. And while most in attendance were pulling for the 1st European victory in disc golf’s version of the Ryder Cup, it was Team USA once again who seized the day, the trophy and the champagne.

After 9 holes of best-score, Team USA led by 11 points to 3. Europe therefore needed to win at least 5 of the 8 match-play showdowns and draw 1 of the other 3, or win 6 matches outright to upset the American Tour-ists. And when Simon Lizotte dismissed Nikko Locastro 3 and 2 in the first group, it looked like the Euros stood a chance. But by day’s end it was once again Team USA who won 5 matches and drew 2 en route to a convincing victory by 29 points to 9. While many of the matches were closer than the points suggest, Team USA Captain David Greenwell credited his side’s putting as making the difference.

Here are the complete results:

Tomorrow the European Open – this year’s PDGA Europe Major – begins. Jesper Lundmark and Val Jenkins will be looking to defend their 2009 EO titles, while Europe’s top players and 17 other Americans will be looking to unseat them. All told, 168 players will be vying for the chance to be crowned Champions, and with a purse of more than Euros 25000 (US$ 35000) up for grabs, the competition is guaranteed to be fierce. For live scoring and tons more information please visit www.opendiscgolf.com . You will also find daily stories, photos full round scores, and the preliminary player round ratings at www.pdga.com .