Two great escapes and a moment of huge relief today kept alive Europe’s hopes of winning back the Solheim Cup in Sweden.

For the first time since 1998 the United States lead Europe after the first day of the Solheim Cup – but not by anything like the margin they had hoped for at Halmstad in Sweden.

Holders America had the chance to pull well clear of Europe on the opening day of the Solheim Cup at Halmstad in Sweden.

The tail-end of Hurricane Henriette caused a four-and-a-half hour delay at the £600,000 LPGA NW Arkansas Championship and left half the field unable to complete their opening rounds.

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew claimed her fifth worldwide title with a three-stroke victory at the Scandinavian TPC Hosted by Annika.

Annika Sorenstam begins the defence of her own tournament in Sweden tomorrow hoping to salvage a difficult season.

England’s Rebecca Hudson shot a third-round 72 to take a one-shot lead at the Vediorbis Open de France Dames at Le Golf D’Arras.

France’s European number one Gwladys Nocera posted a blistering seven-under-par 65 on the third day of the BMW Ladies Italian Open in Rome to take a three-shot lead over her compatriot Sophie Giquel heading into tomorrow’s final round.