Annika quits as skipper after loss

ANNIKA Sorenstam ruled out continuing as captain of the Europe team after they lost the Solheim Cup to the United States.

The hosts retained the trophy with a 16.5 to 11.5 success in Des Moines, Iowa, maintaining control on the final day after surging ahead with a sweep of Saturday afternoon’s fourball matches.

Sorenstam said: “I said this was a one-time thing for me. It is time to move the torch to the next person.

“I am very honoured to be captain. We had a great leadership team and players to work with and I couldn’t have asked for anymore.”

The hosts, who resumed with a lead of 10.5 to 5.5 increased their advantage as Cristie Kerr won 2 and 1 against Mel Reid and Paula Creamer finished one up against Georgia Hall.

Lexi Thompson halved against Anna Nordqvist before the US reached the 13.5 points needed to be sure of retaining the trophy with Angel Yin’s half point against Karine Icher.

The win was confirmed soon after when Lizette Salas beat Jodi Ewart Shadoff one up, sparking scenes of celebration on the 18th green.

The hosts’ lead was extended to 15.5-9.5 when Gerina Piller sealed victory over Florentyna Parker.

Charley Hull and Madelene Sagstrom won over Brittany Lang and Austin Ernst to trim the deficit to 15.5-11.5 but Danielle Kang wrapped up the win by beating Emily Pedersen 3 and 1.

Europe’s other winners on the final day included Scot Catriona Matthew.