Laura Davies happily posted a first round four-under-par 68 to lie two off the lead in the first round of the Kronenbourg 1664 Chart Hills Classic in Kent yesterday before firmly backing Scots pair Janice Moodie and Catriona Matthew to be included among the five Solheim Cup wild cards set to be named by European Captain Dale Reid on Sunday.
While admitting that she will be pleased when the side is settled and everyone can start concentrating on a game plan to beat the Americans at Loch Lomond in October, Davies, who has already secured her place , said: "Janice has to be in after a great season, while Catriona is one of several contenders, but the fact that she is Scottish tips it in her favour.
"I think there will be huge support at Loch Lomond and so it will be good to have at least a couple of Scots in the team."
While Moodie and Matthew are both taking a break this week, Kathryn Marshall, an outside hope, continued her Solheim campaign with an up and down 73 which had an eagle three at the fifth as a highlight, but also had a double-bogey six at the second and four dropped shots in a row from the 13th .
Laura Davies is backing the claims of two Scots for wildcards into the Solheim Cup. Allsport.
For Davies, the pressure lies in attempting to claim the title that will maintain her great record of an annual victory in Europe since joining the European Tour in 1985.
"Apart from the Solheim, that is the only goal left this year," said the season’s two-time winner in America. "I can’t win the money list here or in America, but it will be a huge hole in my career if I don’t keep the record going and I’ve only got this event then the Dutch Open."
Italy's Isabella Maconi and Australia's Joanne Mills shared the lead on 66, with Davies and Australia's Karen Lunn the next best on 68.
