Europe clinch 2003 Solheim Cup

Nilsmark, who oversaw Europe's 2003 win in Sweden, will announce her captain's picks after the Ladies Finnish Masters.

The top seven ranked players in Europe qualify automatically before Sweden's Nilsmark tops the team up to 12.

American captain Nancy Lopez will make just two picks, with the top 10 coming from the LPGA Solheim Cup rankings.

For Europe, points are awarded to players finishing in the top 10 at all Ladies European Tour ranking events.

SOLHEIM CUP RECORD 2003: Europe 17.5-10.5 USA 2002: USA 15.5-12.5 Europe 2000: Europe 14.5-11.5 USA 1998: USA 16-12 Europe 1996: Europe 11-17 USA 1994: USA 13-7 Europe 1992: Europe 11.5-6.5 USA 1990: USA 11.5-4.5 Europe

The American system offers points for wins and top-20 finishes during the two years between events.

Points are doubled at the four major championships and during the Solheim Cup year.

The Solheim Cup, founded in 1990, is the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup and is a biennial trans-Atlantic team matchplay competition.

The three-day event consists of 28 matches - eight foursomes, eight fourballs and 12 singles on the final day.

Nilsmark's side won 17½-10½ in front of a 100,000-strong crowd in Barseback, Sweden, two years ago.

They are aiming for a first win on American soil - and fourth overall - in the ninth running of the event.

The Solheim Cup takes place at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana from 9-11 September.