Solheim Cup: Superb late rally sees first Europe win since 2003

IT started with Catriona Matthew scoring a thumping 6 and 5 win over Paula Creamer, and it ended with a dramatic swing in fortunes as Europe scored the most dramatic of victories over the USA in the Solheim Cup here in Ireland yesterday.Following rain delays, lightning threats and the shock withdrawal of Cristie Kerr, Europe finally regained the Solheim Cup in thrilling fashion with the narrowest of 15-13 victories over the USA.

It was first European win since 2003, and it all c

ame down to the last three singles and a enthralling final half hour of play. The scoreboard was favouring the USA, but then the pendulum swung firmly towards the home side.

Suzann Pettersen, the world No 2 and European No 1, had started the great fightback against the equally feisty Michelle Wie. One down with three to play, the Norwegian birdied the final three holes for a final-green triumph.

In the penultimate singles, Caroline Hedwall, one of five European rookies, was two down with two to play against Ryann O'Toole, but won the last two holes for a vital half point.

At the same time, Azahara Munoz, Matthew's young foursomes partner and another of the rookies, was putting herself in an unbeatable position in the final match against Angela Stanford by winning the 17th to go one up, and a half at the last confirmed a 15th point for Europe. It was all stirring stuff.

With the scores tied at eight points each overnight, Matthew was sent out at the head of the order by Alison Nicholas and she did her captain proud with a brilliant display against Creamer, the darling of the American team and a player who had never tasted defeat in her previous three Solheim singles.

But the North Berwick 42-year-old made sure she departed Ireland with a bitter taste in her mouth. Out early when the sun was shining, the rout started when Matthew holed a 40-foot roller coaster of a putt for a 4 at the long second.

Another birdie followed from 15 feet, a par was good enough to take the fourth and then it got even better when she made an eagle from ten feet at the long seventh. By then, she was four up and it was almost too easy.

At the short eighth, 25-year-old Creamer, with her parents both walking inside the ropes, showed her frustration when Matthew failed to give her a shortish putt.

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