U.S. Leads Solheim Cup

The United States, on the strength of a near-sweep in alternate-shot matches, took a 5-3 lead over Europe after today’s opening day of the women’s Solheim Cup at Chepstow, Wales.

The Americans - trying to retain the cup they won two years ago - took 3-1/2 of a possible 4 points in the alternate-shot matches, then withstood a Laura Davies-led charge in afternoon better-ball matches when Europe won 2-1/2 of a possible 4 points to stay close.

At Endicott, N.Y., Pete Jordan birdied five consecutive holes to take the second-round lead in the B.C. Open.

With only a smattering of fans watching, Jordan shot a 7-under-par 64 on Friday for a three-stroke advantage over Tiger Woods, Fred Funk and Brian Claar.

Woods, the three-time U.S. Amateur champion making his fourth professional start, birdied the final three holes for a 66.

At Glasgow, Scotland, Australian Robert Allenby bogeyed the final two holes and wound up one behind Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn after two rounds of the $1.16 million Loch Lomond World Invitational.

Allenby’s two-round 140, which he shared with Jean Van de Velde of France, was one behind Bjorn, who shot a 69.

Nick Faldo, who was disappointed with his 73, was two shots off the lead. At 142 were two more big name players, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam.

At Indianapolis, defending champion Simon Hobday fixed his swing and turned in the top first round with a 7-under-par 65 at the Brickyard Crossing.

Hobday outpaced the 66s of Bob Betley and Tom Wargo and the 67s of Bud Allin and Bobby Stroble in the Senior PGA Tour event.