Europe edge ahead of US in Solheim Cup

by Elspeth BURNSIDE

DUNSANY, Ireland, Sept 24 (AFP) - Europe edged ahead of favourites and three-time defending champions the United States 4.5-3.5 after the opening day of the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle on Friday.

Tied 2-all after the morning foursomes, Europe led in all four matches at one stage in the afternoon fourballs, eventually taking the series 2.5-1.5.

Suzann Pettersen and Sophie Gustafson both won two out of two, while Paula Creamer, who was involved in a couple of thrilling comebacks, was the heroine of the US team.

In the foursomes, Creamer and Brittany Lincicome won the final two holes to defeat Melissa Reid and Karen Stupples by one hole.

It was deja vu in the fourballs. One down after 16 with Morgan Pressel against the luckless Reid and Laura Davies, the 2010 US Women's Open champion made a winning three at the par four 17th and then watched her partner down an 18-foot putt for another winning birdie at the 18th.

It meant that Davies, who has played in all 12 Solheim Cups, lost her chance of claiming the half point required to overtake Annika Sorenstam as the all-time leading points scorer.

"I'm really pleased to be one point ahead. My team played with passion and purpose. It's been a long day and I'm exhausted. But it was entertainment from start to finish," said Europe captain Alison Nicholas.

Pettersen, the world No.2, rolled in a vital birdie putt on the final green to win her foursomes with Gustafson and then joined Anna Nordqvist in a stunning final hole win over Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie.

Kerr, the world No.3, is the USA's top player while Wie was unbeaten as a teenage rookie in the 16-12 victory at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois two years ago.