Catriona keeps cool to sink putt

that keeps Europe in touch

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE
The United States gained the upper hand over Europe in the four-balls on the first morning of the Solheim Cup and carried a 2.5-1.5 lead into the afternoon foursomes at Rich Harvest Farms, Illinois
Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr got the defending champions up and running with a one-hole victory over Suzann Pettersen and Sophie Gustafson, but Europe hit back to level matters when Helen Alfredsson and Tania Elosegui triumphed by the same margin against Angela Stanford and Juli Inkster.
Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome produced a comprehensive 5 and 4 win over Laura Davies and Becky Brewerton in match three to hand the Americans a 2-1 lead. And it would have been 3-1 had Catriona Matthew not held her nerve to hole a five-foot putt at the 18th to ensure she and Maria Hjorth halved their topsy-turvy encounter with Morgan Pressel and Michelle Wie.
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The USA require 14 points to retain the cup, while Europe, who have never won on American soil, need 14.5 to win it.

OPENING RESULTS
FOUR-BALL MATCHES
(USA names first):
Match 1: Paula Creamer & Cristie Kerr bt Suzann Pettersen & Sophie Gustafson 1 hole.
Match 2: Angela Stanford & Juli Inkster lost to Helen Alfredsson & Tania Elosegui 1hole.
Match 3: Brittany Lang & Brittany Lincicome bt Laura Davies & Becky Brewerton 5 and 4
Match 4: Morgan Pressel & Michelle Wie halved with Catriona Matthew & Maria Hjorth.

United States lead Europe 2.5 - 1.5