Britain's Laura Davies has singled out Solheim Cup partner Paula Marti for praise, after the rookie impressed on day one of the event.

Davies and Marti got Europe's bid against the United States off to a winning start with a two and one win over US Open champion Juli Inkster and Laura Diaz in Friday's foursomes.

The European pair nearly pulled off their second points of the day in the fourballs after reeling in a sizeable Rosie Jones and Cristie Kerr lead.

The Americans were four up with nine to play but held on for victory on the final hole.

Afterwards Davies said: "I predicted that Paula would be a star this weekend and she certainly proved it today.

"We gelled from the start and her putting was absolutely awesome."

Davies and her rookie team-mate, who are paired together in Saturday's foursomes, had initially taken Europe to an early 3-1 lead but the Americans fought back to level the scores at 4-4 at the close of play.

Arguably America's finest win came when Michel Redman and Meg Mallon defeated world number one Annika Sorenstam and Maria Hjorth.

Redman afterwards hailed the match as one of her career highlights.

She explained: "Annika is the best player in the world so you have to bring out your best game against her and we made a great team.

"That's one of the best matches that I've ever been involved in. To get my first Solheim point here in Minnesota feels great."

Panic free

Europe started the three-day event as the defending champions.

But they face a tough historical battle over the next two days, as they bid to become the first Solheim winners on American soil.

US captain Patty Sheehan revealed she still felt under pressure to continue that run but on Friday preferred to focus on the team's performances.

Sheehan said: "The players took it upon themselves to be self-motivated and controlled.

"They didn't panic. They obviously knew this afternoon it was going to turn around for them."

Play gets under way on Saturday at 1245BST as Redman and Sorenstam come head to head once more.

Saturday's Foursomes: