Solheim Cup 2021: Europe hold off United States fight back to take 9-7 lead into Monday's singles matches

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Europe held off a United States charge to take a 9-7 lead into Monday's Solheim Cup singles matches in Ohio.

On a sensational day at Inverness Golf Club, the US dominated the foursomes 3-1 to reduce their overnight deficit to one before Europe edged the fourballs.

Mel Reid and rookie Leona Maguire were once again Europe's best pair, winning their foursomes match and earning a half point in the final fourball.

Europe need five points from Monday's 12 singles matches to retain the title.

The defending champions have won the Solheim Cup away from home just once before, in Colorado in 2013.

The US need to reach 14½ points to regain the Solheim Cup and extend their overall lead in the biennial series - first contested in 1990 - to 11-6.

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"That finish and that last 20 minutes was crucial for us," Europe captain Catriona Matthew told Sky Sports after Reid's birdie putt won the 18th hole and secured a half point in the last match of a day that saw momentum shift back and forth.

"From the start to the day it looked like the momentum was heading towards the US, but edged back a little bit in the afternoon and that half point has buoyed us up.

"(We're) very confident. We would have taken that [a two-point lead] when we teed off in the first round."

Maguire impresses with nerveless temperament

Leona Maguire and Mel Reid halved their fourball match in a dramatic finish on the 18th green

Europe had taken a slender 6½-5½ advantage into Sunday afternoon's fourballs after seeing their three-shot overnight lead cut back in the morning foursomes.

The US then dominated the early holes in the fourballs but Europe turned the tide and, among several superb contributions, Maguire in particular caught the eye.

The Irish rookie displayed a nerveless temperament in a burgeoning partnership with the experienced Reid, whose short-range putt on the 18th delivered a dramatic conclusion to their match with Lizette Salas and Jennifer Kupcho

It also ensured that Maguire, who will be the only player from either side to feature in the maximum number of five matches across the three days, remains unbeaten and has collected 3½ points.

The Reid/Maguire partnership had been Europe's sole bright spot in the morning foursomes crushing Nelly Korda and Ally Ewing 5&4 as the US won the other three matches.

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