Euro star Pettersen the queen of Killeen

SUZANN PETTERSEN struck a blow for Europe seven weeks out from the Solheim Cup with victory in the Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle yesterday.

The Norwegian, ranked third in the world, left the Americans in her wake with an 18 under total on the course that will host the intercontinental clash at the end of September.

The leading American team member Stacey Lewis was back in a tie for 19th on four under, 14 shots behind Pettersen, with fellow Solheim contender Christina Kim further back on a two over par total.