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SUGAR GROVE, Ill. — Not so fast.
With Michelle Wie and Christina Kim partying on the green and their teammates leading or squared in another two matches, the United States looked as if it was in for a big day at the Solheim Cup. Europe had other ideas, though, rallying to win the fourballs 2½-1½ and even the Solheim Cup at six points apiece ahead of Saturday afternoon’s foursomes.
“It was just phenomenal,” Europe captain Alison Nicholas said. “The girls just made a few mistakes but carried on, looking forward.”
The United States needs 14 points to win its third straight Solheim Cup. Europe needs 14½ to prevail.
Wie and Kim had the already festive crowd in a frenzy with an easy 5-and-4 victory over Helen Alfredsson and Tania Elosegui that showcased Wie’s considerable talents. They were still exchanging hugs and high-fives on the 14th green when Cristie Kerr holed in from the fairway on 12 to even her and Nicole Castrale’s match with Anna Nordqvist and Suzann Pettersen, and chants of “The Cup stays here!” began to ring out across Rich Harvest Farms.
“All you need is a little momentum,” Kim said.
And Europe has it now.
Women’s British Open champion Catriona Matthew and Diana Luna were down two through 16 holes and hadn’t made a birdie since the turn. But Brittany Lang and Angela Stanford gave them an opportunity on the 17th. Lang’s tee shot went into a bunker and she dug out for all of about 70 feet, while Stanford overshot the green.
Matthew then buried a 30-footer from the left edge of the green for a birdie.
Lang had a chance to win the match, but her 30-foot birdie putt from the bottom of the green stopped 5 feet short. Luna then buried a 12-footer to halve the match, pumping her right fist and leaping as the ball went in the cup.
“It’s just amazing,” Luna said. “Catriona said to me, ‘Come on, knock it in for the glory.’”
Bryant leads Champions major
SUNRIVER, Ore. — Brad Bryant shot a 5-under 67 Saturday to take a two-stroke advantage over Mike Reid into the final round of the Jeld-Wen Tradition.
Bryant was at 15 under in the fourth of five majors on the Champions Tour.
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