Curtis Cup triumph on cards for Yanks

Jun 1 2008

THE USA put themselves in pole position to land the Curtis Cup after taking a three-point lead over Great Britain & Ireland going into today's final singles matches at St Andrews.

The Americans, who edged yesterday afternoon's four-balls to secure a 71/2-41/2 advantage, now only need 21/2 points from the singles to win the trophy for the sixth time on the trot Both amateur teams produced some sparkling golf yesterday in glorious sunshine on the Old Course.

Mary McKenna's GB & Ireland squad tied the morning foursomes 11/2-11/2 but lost the afternoon four-ball ties 2-1.

There was not much between the teams.

However, Carol Semple Thompson's multi-talented US squad seem able to win the points that matter and have won three of the four sessions by a 2-1 margin.

Scots youngsters Sally Watson and Krystle Caithness managed to keep GB & Ireland's hopes alive with a great win in the afternoon four-balls.

Edinburgh 16-year-old Sally and 19-year-old St Andrews girl Krystle hit six birdies as they notched a terrific 3&2 win over America's No.1 college golfer Amanda Blumenherst and her partner Meghan Bolger.

Krystle said: "Sally hit some great irons starting at the first when she put her approach to within three inches.

"We had six birdies and finished six under while the Americans never won a hole."

Despite the pair's heroics the home side face a huge uphill task today to make up a three point margin with just eight singles games to go.

But McKenna said: "My girls played their hearts out and we're still in the hunt. Maybe if we get a little bit more wind it might be in our favour."