USA left winless after first day

The top-seeded team from the USA was left winless after the first day of the International Crown.
During Thursday’s four-balls of the of the eight-team tournament, Taiwan completed a clean sweep of the much fancied Americans, with Yani Tseng holing a 12-footer for birdie on the final hole to hand her and her partner Phoebe Yao a 1-up win over Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson.
Earlier, Candie Kung and Teresa Lu beat Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr 4 and 3.
“There’s probably more pressure with being number one, but we all knew coming into match play that anything can happen,” Lewis said.
“It always comes down to one putt here and there.”
Tseng’s winning putt came moments after Lewis had an opportunity for birdie herself from a touch further out.
“I haven’t had this feeling for a long time,” Tseng said.
“I made that birdie putt, my hands were shaking.”
In the team tournament, two points is awarded for a win and one for a tie, and the Americans were the only outfit not to win a single point on the opening day.
“You just have to keep positive and try to find the good in the day,” Kerr admitted
“We’re going to be coming out guns a blazing. We have nothing to lose from here on in.”
Other results on the day saw Spain beat Thailand 5-4, Sweden triumph over Japan 6-3 and Australia thump Korea 7-2.
On Friday, the US will take on Spain and Taiwan will take on Thailand in the two Group A matchups, while Korea take on Sweden and Japan take on Australia in Group B.
Latest
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...