Europe emerged from Saturday's play with an 8-8 tie against the United States in the Solheim Cup, poised for the decisive 12 singles matches. However, the performance of the English pairing of Charley Hull and Lottie Woad has drawn scrutiny, as they contributed only half a point from four matches.
Despite being Europe's highest-ranked players, Hull and Woad lost both of their matches on Saturday. In the morning foursomes, they suffered a significant defeat, equalling a Solheim Cup record with a 6&5 loss to Alison Lee and Allisen Corpuz. Captain Anna Nordqvist opted to pair them again in the afternoon fourballs against Yealimi Noh and Andrea Lee, a decision Nordqvist defended by stating, "I don't think people understand - these are the best players in the world. Lottie, herself, made six birdies in the afternoon. They are playing solid."
Despite the captain's confidence, the pairing ultimately fell short. Noh delivered a strong performance with five birdies and an eagle on the front nine. A birdie from Woad on the 17th sent the match to the final hole, where Hull's tee shot found water, putting pressure on Woad. Noh and Lee secured the win.
Elsewhere, the Swedish pairing of Maja Stark and Linn Grant proved instrumental for Europe. They secured a crucial point in the morning foursomes by defeating the previously unbeaten US duo of Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz, 3&2. Grant and Stark continued their strong showing, winning their afternoon fourballs match 2&1 against Megan Khang and Lauren Coughlin, maintaining their 100% record for the event.
Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud became the first rookie pair in the Solheim Cup to win two matches in a single edition. Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit also contributed a point, helping Europe establish a 7-5 lead at one stage.
The momentum shifted late in the day for the US when Jennifer Kupcho sank a 91-foot putt on the 17th and another lengthy putt on the 18th to steal a point from Carlota Ciganda and Celine Boutier, who had led by one with four holes to play. This late surge by Kupcho provides a significant boost for the US team as they aim to retain the trophy, needing 14 points to win.