US repel Europe fightback to maintain Solheim lead



The United States held off a spirited European charge in Saturday's opening session of the Solheim Cup to maintain their four-point lead.

Needing a fast start after a chastening first day that saw the US open a 6-2 lead, Europe were up in three of the four matches by halfway.

But the US fought back to draw a thrilling alternate shot foursomes session 2-2 to leave the overall score at 8-4.

"We were hoping for 3-1 and some of the girls were disappointed they didn’t get their point but I was immensely proud how they came back out," said Europe captain Suzann Pettersen.

"We could have a strong afternoon and be right back in it."

US skipper Stacy Lewis added: "That finish got us some momentum back."

With the transport issues of day one resolved, there was a raucous atmosphere in a packed stand on the first tee but the home fans were soon muted as Europe took control of three matches.

Emily Pedersen and Carlota Ciganda won two of the first three holes to put early blue on the scoreboard against unbeaten foursomes specialists Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz.

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