US extends lead over Europe at Solheim Cup

The United States took a 10 1⁄2- 5 1⁄2 lead over Europe on Saturday in the Solheim Cup, matching its biggest advantage entering the final day.

Two years ago, the United States staged the biggest singles comeback in Solheim Cup history.

Only the biggest letdown the event has ever seen will keep the Americans from retaining the cup.

The United States took a 10 ½- 5 ½ lead over Europe on Saturday, matching its biggest advantage entering the final day.

The Americans took three of the four afternoon fourball matches after splitting the morning foursomes at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa. The biennial event concludes Sunday with 12 singles matches.

The U.S. also led 10 ½-5 ½ in 1998 and won by four points.

“We’re confident. So we just want to keep it going,” American Austin Ernst said.

Cristie Kerr set a record for career points by an American with 20, teaming with Lexi Thompson to win both of her matches. U.S. captain Juli Inkster held the previous mark with 18 ½.

Kerr and Thompson beat Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Caroline Masson 5 and 3 in the morning, and topped Georgia Hall and Catriona Matthew 4 and 2 in the afternoon.

In the other U.S. afternoon victories, Brittany Lincicome and Brittany Lang beat Carlota Ciganda and Mel Reid 2 up, and Ernst and Paula Creamer edged Karine Icher and Madalene Sagstrom 2 and 1. Shadoff and Anna Nordqvist beat Lizette Salas and Angel Yin 4 and 2 for Europe’s lone point.