In the morning, on the first day of the Solheim Cup in Finca Cortesín (Málaga), the American golfers beat the European players in the round of four (each pair plays with one ball and the shots alternate between the two players): 0 -4. In the afternoon, European resurgence in four-ball (each player achieves the best result with his ball): 3:1 for the overall ranking, then 3:5 for the Americans. The great duel is still very much alive, when it seemed that the North American cyclone of the first hours would have a devastating impact on the entire continent.
It was a perfect storm for America. Ally Ewing and Cheyenne Knight defeated Charley Hull and Emily Pedersen 5&4 (five shots ahead and four holes to go) in a duel that never caused excitement on the scoreboard and was unbalanced from the start. Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang defeated Maja Stark and Linn Grant 2&1, and the other duels reached the 18th hole with the Americans in front, who were only able to maintain their lead with difficulty: Danielle Kang and Andrea Lee with a lead of 1 over Céline Boutier and Georgia Hall , the same record as this Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz ahead of Leona Maguire and Anna Nordqvist. This last pair, which seemed the most solid, did not even work in Europe, despite Irish Maguire’s stirring resistance on the putts at the end of the round.
The 0:4 was a slap in the face for Suzann Pettersen’s team, who left Carlota Ciganda, the only Spaniard in the tournament, on the bench for this first dance. The Americans gave world number two Lilia Vu a break. Europe has brought out its artillery, but even in the modality that requires greater understanding, its supposed strength, it has not said a word, without options, always in tow. The US golfers read some greens better, which are a trap due to their falls, one of the keys to success in this Solheim. The board was flooded with the color American red.
In the face of the crisis, Europe had to arm itself psychologically. And that’s where Carlota Ciganda came in to prepare for the afternoon fourballs and start the comeback. Navarrese birdied the first hole, pumped her fist and energized the crowd and her teammates. It was the spark that triggered a reaction. Her alliance with Linn Grant scored another winner on the par-5 4th hole and the Europeans were already leading by two holes. The wind came into play and the duels remained very even. But where the United States once stood out, Europe now stood out.
Some great shots along the way, like a hole-in-one from Denmark’s Emily Pedersen on the 12th. Gemma Dryburgh and Madelene Sagstrom fought to a draw against Rose Zhang and Megan Khang, the first half point for the locals. Leona Maguire hit a great birdie putt on the 18th and Georgia Hall Lexi Thompson and Lilia Vu, another steel pair, took a 1 lead. Carlota Ciganda and Linn Grant defeated Angel Yin and Ally Ewing 4&2. And Emily Pedersen and Maja Stark fought to another draw against Jennifer Kupcho and Allisen Corpuz. That means no American victory in the afternoon. Europe survived.
The results of the first day of the Solheim Cup.
You can follow EL PAÍS Deportes on Facebook and Xor sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter.