Strong finish has Catriona Matthew upbeat for Solheim Cup

SCOT Catriona Matthew, who finished fifth in last week's Ricoh Women's British Open at Carnoustie, turned her attention to next month's Solheim Cup after finishing joint sixth in the Ladies' Irish Open at Killeen Castle yesterday.

The British No 1 is already assured of a sixth Solheim appearance for Europe against the USA at the same venue from 23-25 September, and she is looking forward to trying to help the home side win for a first time since 2003.

"I think Europe is going to be very strong this year," said the North Berwick golfer, who secured the winning point at Barseback in Sweden eight years ago.

"Two years ago in the US we were real underdogs on paper and it ended up being really close. I think this year we're stronger and we've got a really good chance.

"I've really enjoyed playing Killeen this week. It's playing faster than last year and I think the way they set it up should make for plenty birdies at the Solheim. The Irish crowd will be a big help.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, the world No 3 and another Solheim veteran, won the Irish Open by following her course record second round of 63 with a 64 for an 18-under-par total and a six-shot win over Spain's Azahara Munoz Guijarro (69). Petersen's three-round total saw her finish 17 under over the weekend.

She won the tournament at Portmanlock in 2008 and was delighted to double her tally of titles. "It's been a great week, it's been a short week," said Pettersen, who only arrived in Ireland on Wednesday. "I just really like the way this course is playing, a little bit firmer. I played great with my putter and it was really nice and hot."

The amateur Maguire twins, Leona (one over) and Lisa (two over) were Ireland's best-placed competitors.

Matthew staged a great finish with three birdies in a row from the 15th for an eight under par total. The best-placed Briton was England's Melissa Reid. The 23-year-old, who is set to make her Solheim debut, closed with a 69 and a tie for third on 11 under.