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BY: RORY SPEARS

Reporting from Owings Mill MD. and Caves Valley Country Club.

It was quite an effort over the last two days, but the United States did not survive the cut and missed advancing to the final round of the inaugural International Crown. Five countries moved on to Sunday play, three countries were eliminated from the championship. Along with the USA, Australia and Chinese Taipei went home a day early.

It came down to a playoff to decide who was going to be the last country eliminated from Sunday play. Korea got birdies from both Inbee Park and So Yeon Ryu for a total of 8, and the USA got a birdie from Christie Kerr but only a par from Lexi Thompson for a total of 9. That advanced Korea to Sunday play as the wild card team.

Sweden came out of the blocks early and made quick work of Australia, winning both matches. Sweden won by score of 7 & 5 and 5 & 3. Anna Nordqvist said “there wasn’t much said last night.” Perhaps the Swedes should keep that strategy with such convincing wins.

Spain was the other big mover on the day, with a sweep of Chinese Taipei. The first match was over quickly with a 6 & 5 win, and Spain led at one point 7 UP. The second match was different. It was All Sqaure through 15 when Belen Mozo holed an eagle from the deep rough some 60 yards off the green. It proved to be all Spain would need to advance.

After Japan and Korea split their matches, the Japanese were in and Korea had to wait on a possible playoff. That playoff took place when Team USA could not get one point out of the Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer match. USA a No.1 seed had to play Korea the No.2 seed to see who was going home.

Sundays final day will have 10 singles matches to decide who wins the first International Crown.

The point breakdown for the first three days is as follows. In Pool A         Thailand 7, Spain 7, USA 6, Chinese Taipei 4.

In Pool B Japan 8, Sweden 7, Korea 6 (advances as wild card) and Australia 3. Sundays singles matches will start around 1 PM EST, the Golf Channel will have full coverage of the final round action.

Click here to hear Team USA’s full press conference.

The Gog Blog will have a final wrap up of the International Crown here on Sunday night, stay clicked in.