PREVIEW-Golf-Ryder-Europe poised to tighten hold on Cup

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, Sept 18 (Reuters) - With two years of patient preparation finally behind them, Europe launch their bid on Friday for an unprecedented fourth successive Ryder Cup victory over the United States.

Led by six-times major winner Nick Faldo, the Europeans enter uncharted territory as they defend the cherished trophy for the first time as favourites on American soil.

Five of the last six encounters have gone Europe's way, the last two in lop-sided fashion, but Faldo accepts both teams will tee off on level terms in Friday's opening foursomes matches.

"We start back on level ground with America and we will do our utmost to move forward," an emotional Faldo told reporters after the final day of official practice at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday.

"We are nearly there and tomorrow morning it starts. This is the best experience I've ever had inside, outside the ropes, as a non-player. This is the most special week of my life right now."

"We're very fortunate that we're in this position this week," he said of a European line-up with every player ranked in the world's top 50. "I've got a very strong team."

While Faldo appeared close to tears in his last news conference before the 37th Ryder Cup gets under way, his American counterpart Paul Azinger exuded poise and self-belief.

"I feel very happy and I'm confident," the 48-year-old said. "I've enjoyed sharing this experience with a bunch of my really close friends.