EUROPE RETAINS THE SOLHEIM CUP WITH 14-14 TIE

Europe retained the Solheim Cup in dramatic circumstances with a 14-14 tie against the United States of America at Finca Cortesin in Spain. 

Starting the day tied at 8-8 after two days of foursomes and fourballs, it all came down to an enthralling final day of singles and the teams tied the matches with six points each.

Spanish star Carlota Ciganda holed the putt to win her match and secure the 14^th point needed to retain the Cup, which meant that Europe claimed an historic three in a row.

Prior to this match, the overall scoreline was 10-7 in America’s favour. Since the contest began in 1990, Europe had never won three competitions in a row. The US team won three in a row in ’94, ’96 and ’98 and again in ’05, ’07 and ’09. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, European Captain Suzann Pettersen said: “I think the tears have gone now. I think it was meant to be, Carlota holing the winning putt in Spain. Hedwall played her part. It came down to the wire.”

Hedwall was the player who turned it around for Europe. Three down after 12, she turned the match around, winning five of the last six holes in her match against Ally Ewing. 

Pettersen added: “It’s going to be a big party tonight.” When asked how she would celebrate, she added: “The Spanish way.”