Europe edge ahead of US in Solheim Cup

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. "I had two great partners and it has been a great day's team effort," said Pettersen, the world No.2 and a veteran of six Solheims. In the fourballs, Gustafson was sent out to guide one of the newcomers, 22-year-old Caroline Hedwall, who has won three times on her first year on the Ladies' European Tour. The Swedish combination of youth and experience scored a thumping 5 and 4 win over Vicky Hurst and Lincicome, and it was the youngster who did most of the damage with four birdies. Catriona Matthew, the 2009 Women's British Open Champion, was handed the task of guiding two rookies.She did so with aplomb, winning her foursomes with Spain's Azahara Munoz and adding a half point in the fourballs with Germanys' Sandra Gal. The afternoon match against Christina Kim and rookie Ryann O'Toole reflected the swinging change in fortunes. Two down after five holes, Matthew then birdied five holes in a row. The Europeans were two up with three to play, but then the US duo hit form. Kim holed a monster putt for a two at the short 16th and O'Toole, a player with Irish heritage, made a 25-foot putt at the 17th. US skipper Rosie Jones praised Jones."I've been talking with Ryann quite a bit, because I know she's been under a lot of pressure (as a shock captain's wild card selection). She's had a lot of scrutiny since the pick. I know that she was lacking a little confidence," said Jones. "This is the type of stage that she enjoys. She likes to be up front in a big arena. It's suitable for her. She still looks humble in that, but she's handling it, and she did a great job today."