• Solheim Cup, Day Three

Europe earn thrilling Solheim Cup win over US

The European team celebrate their victory © Getty Images

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Europe reclaimed the Solheim Cup after a dramatic climax in the final day's singles at Killeen Castle in Ireland.

Resuming at 8-8, Europe led 10-8 and 11-9 before the United States launched a stirring fightback to set up a nail-biting finish. Trailing 12½-11½, Europe looked to be heading for another defeat but Christel Boeljon drew them level and Suzann Pettersen, Caroline Hedwall and Azahara Munoz grabbed the all-important points to seal a breathtaking 15-13 victory.

World No. 2 Pettersen got the crowd going by clawing her way back to beat American Michelle Wie on the final green. Pettersen was one down heading to the 16th but three successive birdies saw her grab a vital point.

Hedwall ensured Europe got their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2003 by halving her match with Ryann O'Toole, before Azahara Munoz put the icing on the cake by halving the last to take a full point against Angela Stanford.

Captain Alison Nicholas told Sky Sports: "The players showed such heart and passion, I hand it all to them. They were so up for it and believed in themselves, the rookies were fantastic and the experienced players have done well as well."

Rookie Hedwall, who was labelled a "star of the future" by Nicholas, said "It's a great win, it's nice to win it on home soil. It's been a great atmosphere all week, it's one of the best weeks of my life."

The day got off to a poor start for the United States, star player Cristie Kerr had to forfeit her match after withdrawing with injury - automatically handing Europe a point. Paula Creamer, widely expected to beat Catriona Matthew, suffered a 6&5 defeat in the top match but the United States rallied to push Europe all the way, eventually going down 7-5 in the defining singles.

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