Cristie Kerr withdraws from Solheim Cup singles

DUNSANY, Ireland --  Europe gained the first point of singles play Sunday when Cristie Kerr was unable to make her noon tee time, conceding the match to Karen Stupples because of a sore right wrist. U.S. captain Rosie Jones told Golf World the wrist had been bothering Kerr since Thursday night.

"It's just fatigue," Jones said. "It's just too painful. She can't pick up the club." Kerr and Paula Creamer are the only two players on either team to have played all four sessions coming into singles play. In fact, each had played 71 of a possible 72 holes.

The concession by Kerr gave Europe a 9-8 lead. Europe needs 14¿ points to win the Cup and the United States 14 to keep it. "I'm devastated that I couldn't play today to help represent my team," Kerr said. "I tried my best but I couldn't hold the golf club."

According to Jones, Kerr was started on anti-inflammatory drugs Friday night. If Kerr had divulged the injury before the opening ceremony she could have been replaced on the team.

"She was feeling better for the matches," Jones said. "It started Thursday and she was concerned after opening ceremonies. We considered a change Friday morning, but she was fine then. Apparently, Jones felt Kerr was fine enough to play four matches. Kerr  had two wins a loss and a halve in those four matches.

--Ron Sirak