Golf Solheim Cup: Laura Davies leads from the front

ONE-sided contests are never much fun and American victories at the Solheim Cup have become a rather monotonous par for the course over recent years. In fact, Europe arrived for the 12th version at Killeen Castle in Ireland this week with just three wins, the last way back in 2003.

But, come tonight, hopes still remain that it could be Alison Nicholas's team, including Ms Dependable in Scotlan

d's Catriona Matthew, that will be dancing an Irish jig.

With the 12 singles points to be scrapped out today, Europe and the USA are tied at eight-all.

In the singles, Matthew will play in the top match against Paula Creamer, who has never lost a singles in her three Solheims to date.

"We always knew it was going to about the singles and everyone is upbeat and ready for tomorrow," said Nicholas. "Now they all have to be selfish and go out and win their own point and Catriona is a great player to send out first."

One point ahead overnight, the home side won yesterday's foursomes 2?-1? but the holders hit back to take the fourballs 3-1, though Laura Davies slipped another entry into the history books. Already the only player to compete in all dozen contests, the 47-year-old became the highest points scorer with a 4 and 3 win over Michelle Wie and Brittany Lang, her total of 24? points overtaking Annika Sorenstam. But the top match was the only European fourballs point. The most exciting contest featured Suzaann Pettersen and Caroline Hedwall, who won the 15th and 16th to level against Morgan Pressel and Christie Kerr. But Pressel hit back with an eight-foot birdie putt at the 17th and the US sneaked victory on the final green.

Playing with fellow Englishwoman Melissa Reid, it was a classic Davies. She reeled off four birdies in a row from the third and with Reid throwing in an eagle three at the long 12th it was a stroll in sunshine. "To be honest, it was a bit embarrassing not to have the most points when I've played in every match," said the ever-frank Davies. "So it's great to have made it. Now I can relax a bit more in the singles."

This is Matthew's sixth Solheim Cup, and she is unbeaten in her three outings this week. In the morning foursomes she teamed up with Spanish rookie Azahara Munoz, and they claimed a vital half against Kerr and Paula Creamer. Never more than a hole between them, Matthew and Munoz mounted the final tee needing to win the tricky par 4 to salvage something from a match that was played in great spirit. They did the needful thanks to a solid par that the Americans failed to match.

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