Standing on the tee the Yanks, in the inspired form of the stellar Paula Creamer and the formidable vet Juli Inkster were one up on European power-hitters: Swede Sophie Gustafson and Norwegian Suzann Pettersen.

With the Americans looking good for a four and the European ball tree-bound in the left rough the Norwegian Pettersen hit a stunning iron which just lipped out but left her partner with a down-hill knee-trembler which she bravely holed.

That drama was followed by another home crowdenthusing victory on the 18th by Europe courtesy of a clutch putt by Scot Catriona Matthew partnering a decidedly out of form local hero Annika Sorenstam It was universally conceded that the Europeans were charmed to get away with a mere one point deficit after their indifferent play on Friday but their form picked up when the winds abated on Saturday.

So far, both sets of players (with the bizarre exception of Laura Davies on Friday afternoon) do not seem to enjoy the schadenfraude charms of the signature 179 yard par 3 16th.

The second fourball sessions will be completed today, with the real battle commencing when the 12 singles matches get under way.

It is perhaps significant that the American captain, Betsy King, has been careful to blood all her players several times in stark contrast to home captain, the extrovert Helen Alfredsson, who betrayed a worrying lack of faith in her own wild card choices.

This should help the young American squad though the home crowd and the difficult and lengthy Halmstad Golf Klubb in Western Sweden will ensure that the 10th Solheim may be the closest run one ever.

Though the game has been played in an edifyingly sporting manner all will be mindful of the song which greeted both teams in Halmstad's Main Square at the Opening ceremony _ ABBA's The Winner takes it All. The Solheim Cup has much comradeship but only one winner.

Current Score : USA 6.5 Europe 5.5. (USA requires 14 to retain the Waterford Crystal Trophy, Europe requires 14.5).