Davies setting the Solheim Cup standard, hitting all-time record score

By ELSPETH BURNSIDE
Updated: 17:56 EST, 24 September 2011

England's Laura Davies produced a stunning round of golf and claimed the point she needed to become the highest ever scorer in the Solheim Cup.

Even better, her 4 & 3 victory with Melissa Reid over the highly-fancied pair of Michelle Wie and Brittany Lang in the top fourball helped Europe extend the lead over holders America to 8-5, although the visitors fought back to 8-8.

'It was great to get the point and to play well,' said a beaming Davies. 'Now we're ready for the singles.'

Swing when you're winning: Davies has set a new Solheim points record

One point ahead overnight, Alison Nicholas's troupers doubled the advantage by taking the foursomes 2½-1½. Scot Catriona Matthew played her part, grinding out a vital half with Azahara Munoz over Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer.

It was the last match on the course in the morning, and the Europeans were one down on the 18th tee. But a solid par, Munoz holing a testing five-foot putt, was good enough.

Life's a beach: Davies plays a delicate chip out of the bunker during the fourballs