Koch and Marti provide key shots as Europe take early lead

Laura Davies and Paula Marti gave Europe a perfect start to the Solheim Cup as the defending champions took a 3-1 lead over the United States after the morning foursomes yesterday.

Davies extended her record haul of Solheim points to 15 from the seven contests by joining the Spanish rookie Marti in a two-hole victory over the US Open champion, Juli Inkster, and Laura Diaz in the opening match.

Annika Sorenstam, the world No 1, and her fellow Swede Carin Koch then added another point with a 3 and 2 victory over Meg Mallon and Kelli Kuehne.

Helen Alfredsson and Suzann Pettersen completed an excellent morning for Europe with a 4 and 2 triumph over Kelly Robbins and Pat Hurst.

Two years ago at Loch Lomond in Scotland, Europe won all four matches in the opening foursomes. But this time a narrow victory from the American veteran Beth Daniel and the rookie Wendy Ward prevented a whitewash as they defeated Iben Tinning and Raquel Carriedo by one hole.

Davies and Marti gave Europe the inspirational start they needed to raise hopes of a historic first victory on US soil. The pair were never behind as they went round in six-under par 67, but the best was saved for the par-five last.

Davies hit a 302-yard drive down the middle before Marti fired a stunning three-wood from 220 yards to nine feet for an eagle putt that was conceded when the Americans failed to make four.

"Her putting was absolutely awesome," said Davies. "It's great to get the first point on the board – already it's looking good for us. It's going to be a close contest. But if we can keep the crowd out of it that really helps. We don't want to hear too many chants for them."

SOLHEIM CUP (Edina, Minnesota) Foursomes: L Davies and P Marti (Europe) bt J Inkster and L Diaz (US) 2-up; B Daniel and W Ward (US) bt I Tinning and R Carriedo (Europe) 1-up; H Alfredsson and S Pettersen (Europe) bt K Robbins and P Hurst (US) 4 and 2; A Sorenstam and C Koch (Europe) bt M Mallon and K Kuehne (US) 3 & 2. Europe lead 3-1.