Closer Look Parnevik and Garcia steal the show Click here for more on this story Posted: Friday September 24, 1999 09:06 PM   Ones to watch: Sergio Garcia (left) and Jesper Parnevik’s laid-back attitude and exciting play drew crowds in Brookline. AP By Albert Lin, CNN/SI BROOKLINE, Mass. -- Tiger Woods and David Duval might be the top two players in the World Rankings, but the opening day of the Ryder Cup on Friday belonged to the European duo of Jesper Parnevik and Sergio Garcia, the Old Country's Mr. Eccentric and Mr. Electric. There was no place on the course more fun to be than wherever these two were. The pair, who best personified the Euros' relaxed, nothing-to-lose attitude, won both of their matches to score two points and help their side to a 6-2 lead after Day 1. Parnevik, known for wearing his baseball cap with the bill inverted (though perhaps eating volcanic sand is more noteworthy?), was the day's best player. "I had everything going for me today," the 34-year-old said. After working out early jitters in the morning, he and Garcia complemented each other perfectly in the alternate-shot format, coming from 2-down after five holes to beat Woods and Tom Lehman, 2 and 1. Then in the afternoon, playing his own ball, Parnevik finally got to show off his game. He scorched the course for five birdies and an eagle in the first 10 holes to stake his team to a 2-up lead on Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk; Parnevik-Garcia won the match when Mickelson missed his second short putt in the last three holes attempting to halve 18. On the par-4, 378-yard eighth hole, Parnevik earned the first big roar from the crowd by hitting the shot of the day. His 9-iron from 135 yards landed 4 feet right of the pin and spun in for eagle. Parnevik then turned and ran, arms spread, back up the fairway toward Garcia, who wrapped both arms around the Swede and lifted the bigger man off the ground in celebration. Not to be outdone, the seemingly permanently smiling El Nino fired up his fans on the par-5, 534-yard 14th, chipping in from the fringe from about 100 feet for an eagle of his own. "I realized I had to do something," said the 19-year-old Spaniard, who legitimized his status as a premier player and adored himself to American fans by nearly stealing the PGA Championship from Woods last month. "[Parnevik] couldn't win all 18 holes against those two players." One of the oft-stated reasons for European success in the past two Ryder Cups is that, despite hailing from different countries and speaking different languages, they embrace the team aspect more than the Americans. Whether or not this actually has anything to do with how both sides play, European camaraderie was especially evident on the par-3 16th. After dropping his own short par putt, Parnevik helped Garcia line up his, going so far as to stand over Garcia's ball and take a couple practice swings. "Jesper was a great partner," Garcia said. "We are comfortable together. He gave me a lot of confidence." Asked if they'd be paired Saturday, Parnevik replied, "I hope so."   Related information Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.

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