Share

Korda sisters make history at Solheim Cup

Gleneagles  - Jessica and Nelly Korda will become the first sisters to play together in the Solheim Cup when they tee off for the United States in Friday's foursomes.

The Florida-born daughters of Czech tennis player Petr Korda - a former Australian Open winner - will face Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff in the third match of the morning.

"They asked me if they could play together and, at first, I wasn't too keen because they are different personalities," said USA Captain, Juli Inkster. "But then I thought that it wasn't too often two sisters get the chance to do this."

The Kordas are the second pair of sisters to compete in the Solheim, a team competition that has pitted Europe against the USA every two years since 1990.

Annika and Charlotta Sorenstam were in the 1998 team but were not paired together. Jessica Korda, who is 26, played in the losing USA team in Colorado in 2013, while 21-year-old Nelly is making her debut.

"They wanted to play together so I am now very happy to see them go out together."

Catriona Matthew, the European Captain, has put two of her three rookies in the opening morning line-up.

Bronte Law is first out with the experienced Carlota Ciganda to face Marina Alex and Morgan Pressel.

Celine Boutier partners Georgia Hall in the second match to take on Lexi Thompson and Brittany Altomare.

"I wanted them out there because the longer they have to wait the more nervous they tend to get," said Matthew of the newcomers to the event.

"Bronte was just chomping at the bit to get out first."

In the final foursomes, Europe's Charley Hull and Azahara Munoz face Megan Khang and Annie Park.

Friday Foursomes pairings (Europe names first):

Carlota Ciganda/Bronte Law v Morgan Pressel/Marina Alex, Georgia Hall/Celine Boutier v Lexi Thompson/Brittany Altomare, Caroline Masson/Jodi Ewart Shadoff v Jessica Korda/Nelly Korda, Charley Hull/Azahara Munoz v Megan Khang/Annie Park

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1798 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1756 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1062 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 449 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
4% - 247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE