Ireland, Britain stage Cup comeback

GREAT Britain and Ireland were threatening an amazing comeback in their bid to regain the Curtis Cup from the USA at Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh.

Having won two of the three foursomes earlier to reduce the deficit to 8-4 they came out with all guns blazing in the final singles session.

Scottish champion Heather Stirling won the first three holes against Laura Meyerscough, two of them with birdies, and was still three up after seven.

Emma Duggleby, the former English, British and European champion, was level with Leigh Anne Hardin after four holes, but then won three of the next four to take command.

Vikki Laing, the 21-year-old Scot who has been the most successful competitor from Great Britain and Ireland, had her nose in front of the remarkable 53-year-old Carol Semple Thompson, playing in her 12th Curtis Cup match.

Laing drew first blood at the third and went two ahead at the sixth with a regulation par three, and following a couple of exchanges Semple Thompson had an eagle three at the eighth the Scot was still one ahead.

Playing at the top of the order, Rebecca Hudson, the reigning Ladies British Open champion, lost two of the first three holes to Mollie Fankhauser but hit back by winning the fourth, squaring at the fifth with a birdie three and going in front for the first time at the eighth. She increased her advantage to two at the 10th.

Sarah Jones, the Welsh teenager, was having a great battle with Courtney Swaim and they were level after six holes.

The only match in which Great Britain and Ireland were behind involved Irish star Alison Coffey, who was one behind after seven holes to Meredith Duncan. USA require one point to retain the trophy.