Europe has clinched victory in the 2011 Solheim Cup by a tight 15-13 in a dramatic finish on the Killeen Castle course in Ireland, where Spain’s Azahara Muñoz proved decisive. Her victory over Angela Stanford in one of the last matches of the day brought the title closer to a close-knit continental team.
The third day began with a total equality, so the singles would dictate sentence. The defeats of Melissa Reid, Anna Nordqvist, Maria Hjorth or Sandra Gal put things uphill for Europe, but the late victories of Suzann Pettersen and Azahara Muñoz, both by 1up, and the half point of Caroline Hedwall, put an end to the American illusions.
In Azahara Muñoz’s match, the Malaga-born player’s birdie on the 17th hole was decisive, which gave her an unassailable advantage. It was a match full of alternatives that was resolved with a putt of less than a meter by the Spaniard.
The United States evened the score (8-8) on the second day, in which Azahara Muñoz was not as successful as on the first day.
Europe dominated the tournament at the beginning of the day (4.5-3.5). In the morning session, Azahara Muñoz and Catriona Matthew scratched half a point, but in the afternoon, the player from Malaga, this time in the company of the Swedish Maria Hjorth, lost their match. The fourballs ended with a 3-1 for the United States, which served to equalize the duel with one day to go.
On the first day of play, Azahara Muñoz -who rested in the afternoon session, so she did not play the fourball- got off to a good start in the Solheim Cup, winning her point in the morning foursomes, which helped Europe dominate the tournament at the end of the day.
In the morning foursomes, Azahara Muñoz teamed up with Catriona Matthew to beat Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford (3/2). The match was easy from the beginning for the Europeans, who already had a three-hole lead at the 5th hole. The Malaga player contributed to the victory with great shots, such as her spectacular chip on the 11th hole for birdie. In the afternoon, Europe managed one point more than its rival, and hence its slim lead.
RESULTS.
Europe beats United States 15 – 13
Catriona Matthew defeats Paula Creamer – 6&5.
Sophie Gustafson defeats Stacy Lewis – 2 hits lead.
Anna Nordqvist loses to Morgan Pressel – 2&1.
Laura Davies tied with Juli Inkster.
Melissa Reid loses to Vicky Hurst – 2 stroke lead.
Christel Boeljon defeats Brittany Lincicome – 2 hits lead.
Sandra Gal loses to Brittany Lang – 6&5.
Maria Hjorth loses to Christina Kim – 4&2.
Suzann Pettersen defeats Michelle Wie – 1 stroke ahead.
Caroline Hedwall tied with Ryann O’Toole.
AZAHARA MUÑOZ defeats Angela Stanford – 1 stroke ahead.
Karen Stupples defeats Cristie Kerr – Victory awarded-.
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