Sunday, August 23, 2009

Wie unbeaten as Americans retain Solheim Cup

Honolulu's Michelle Wie held off Europe's Helen Alfredsson, 1 up, in singles today to finish undefeated and help the United States retain the Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Wie went 3-0-1 in her first Solheim Cup after being a captain's pick to the United States team.

Morgan Pressel delivered the winning point with her 3-and-2 victory over Anna Nordqvist today, giving the United States 14 points and one of the most coveted titles in women's golf.This is the third straight time the Americans have won the Solheim Cup, and eighth overall. Europe has never won it on U.S. soil.

Wie, playing in the third of 12 singles matches today, went out to a 3 up lead after seven holes. Alfredsson, however, rallied to win Nos. 8, 9 an 11 to square the match. Wie and Alfredsson halved the next three holes before Wie won Nos. 15 and 16 to go dormie-2 (2 up with two holes left).

Alfredsson sent the match to the final hole when she won the 17th with a par to cut Wie's lead to 1 up. Wie missed her 25-foot par for par. The golfers halved the 18th hole with pars to give Wie the victory.

Wie teamed with Morgan Pressel to halve her first match with Europe's Catriona Matthew and Maria Hjorth in four-ball on the opening day of the Cup. On Day 2, she won two matches, a four-ball with Christina Kim (5 and 4) over Alfredsson and Tania Elosegui and foursome with Cristie Kerr (1 up) over Anna Nordqvist and Hjorth.

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