Europe posts a rare victory in Solheim Cup defeating the Americans after eight years
A strong European team at the Solheim Cup overcame all odds to lift the title for the fourth time in the history by defeating a strong American team by 15-13. Americans, who have been winning the event year after a year since its inception, and have won
eight out of the 12 events, had some of the best players on their side.
European captain, Alison Nicholas led her team right from the front to post fourth a European victory after they won the Solheim Cup for the last time in 2003.
In what is one of the toughest battles in the history of the championship, the European team suffered a setback when Cristie Kerr had to withdraw from the tournament just before the start of her match. The rest of the day was marred by rain delays and lightning
bolts which constantly hammered the Killeen Castle Golf Club at Dunsany Ireland.
The American team which dominated the final day’s play right from the start suffered a setback after the last three singles matches swung in favour of the wrestling European Team. Azahara Munoz posted a one hole win over Angela Stanford while Caroline Hedwall,
the romping Swede, over powered Ryann O’Toole on the last two holes.
Suzann Pettersen and Michelle Wie were locked in a stiff battle all the way to the end of the match, where Pettersen went over to defeat Wie on the final hole.
Both teams were tied at eight-all on the start of the final day and American team moved swiftly to claim the lead through the halfway. With Kerr’s withdrawal, the European Team was awarded an extra point.
The most followed up singles match was played between the 51-year-old Julie Inkster, one of the most experienced player and Laura Davies, who has the honour of playing in all the 12 Solheim Cups ever held. Inkster claimed the round on the last hole where
Davies failed to make a 10-foot par.
The match was at even-par 12 ½ - 12 ½, and the European Team claimed the last three rounds to post a rare victory. Solheim Cup, which was facing a serious threat of liquidation as the competition has largely remained one-sided in the course of history, will
have some breathing space for the time being.
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