Europe retain one-shot Solheim Cup lead after foursomes

[September 14, 2019]  (Reuters) - Team Europe continued to hold a slender one-point advantage over the U.S. with a 6-1/2 to 5-1/2 lead after the second day's foursomes in the Solheim Cup saw the teams share two wins each in gusty conditions at Gleneagles.

The American Korda sisters, Jessica and Nelly, picked up where they left off on Friday at the PGA Centenary Course with a dominant 6 & 5 victory over Carlota Ciganda and Bronte Law.

Struggling Bronte and Law failed to sink a single birdie as the Americans claimed a point to level the overall score.

Europe, who were leading 4-1/2 to 3-1/2 after Friday's fourballs, then had Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz to thank for their 4 & 3 victory over Danielle Kang and Megan Khang.

They were also boosted by Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier whose 3 & 2 victory over Lizette Salas and Ally McDonald at the 16th hole gave them two points.

But Americans Morgan Pressel and Marina Alex, who trailed Anna Nordqvist and Anne Van Dam by four after six holes, stunned the Europeans by taking seven of the next nine for a 2 & 1 victory.

Team USA's Morgan Pressel embraces Team Europe's Anna Nordqvist after she beats her in the foursomes REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The U.S. need 14 points to retain the Solheim Cup while Europe must score 14-1/2 to win the title for the first time since 2013.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)

[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.