Europe have dramatically retained the Solheim Cup after Carlota Ciganda - playing in her homeland of Spain - produced some magic during the closing stages of her match with Nelly Korda.
The momentum was with the American, who had trailed by three holes on the front nine before getting back on level terms, but Ciganda delivered birdies on 16 and 17 to ensure that the cup remained in the hands of Europe, captained by Suzann Pettersen.
Having held the trophy heading into the event at Finca Cortesin, Europe - who were 4-0 down after the first session on Friday - keep hold of the crown.
Oh my goodness, Carlota Ciganda 👏 pic.twitter.com/W4b1In70V4
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 24, 2023
Leona Maguire - playing in the second match - drew first blood for Europe, prevailing 4&3 over Rose Zhang, but Megan Zhang was able to hold on to see off Linn Grant by a 1UP scoreline, making a terrific up-and-down on the last.
Moments later, Danielle Kang completed a dominant performance over Charley Hull, coming through 4&2, and it put the USA 10-9 up with nine matches still on the course.
With holes going back and forth elsewhere, Anna Nordqvist posted a 2&1 win against Jennifer Kupcho to level things up once again, but Georgia Hall failed to convert a two-hole lead against Andrea Lee.
The former Open champion missed a putt to guarantee a half on hole 16, three-putted from 15 feet on 17 to lose the hole and had to make do with a half and par on the last.
Hedwall with a HUGEEEE putt to go 1 UP against Ewing with one to play 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BUb5FrFkNy
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 24, 2023
Things went from bad to worse for Europe as Lilia Vu stormed to a 4&3 victory over Madelene Sagstrom and Angel Yin posted a 2&1 triumph over Celine Boutier.
That left USA requiring just two more wins, and that soon became 1.5 points as Cheyenne Knight finished all square with Gemma Dryburgh.
Back came Europe, though, as Caroline Hedwell holed a 12-foot putt to win the 17th and watch Ally Ewing concede after two errors on the last, reducing the deficit to 13-12 in USA's favour with a 2UP win.
Europe retain the Solheim Cup! 🏆🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/lx4cjMD0P6
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 24, 2023
Maja Stark's turn came next, hitting a majestic tee shot on 17 to set up a two-putt par that ensured a 2&1 success over Allisen Corpuz, yet the drama was yet to come as Ciganda etched her name into Solheim Cup folklore.
Having blown a three-hole lead against Korda, Ciganda was on the rack, yet a stunning approach on 16 set up a birdie chance, which she converted, before she sent her tee shot on 17 to within a couple of feet, Korda left powerless after failing to make the green.
The USA fought to the end as Lexi Thompson held on to see off a fightback from Emily Pedersen to win 2&1, but the celebrations were already underway in the European camp, ones which will continue long into the night in Andalucia.
Darren Plant
