The United States won the Solheim Cup for the first time in seven years after the final day of the singles tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia.
Play remained on a knife’s edge until Lilia Vu made a brilliant birdie at the 18th.th to get the half point needed for the home team to reach 14½ points and win the Solheim Cup for the United States.
The final score was 15.5-12.5 in favor of America as they won the cup for the first time since 2017.
At the beginning of the last day, Team USA had a 10-6 advantage over Europe, but despite losing 5.5-6.5 singles, it was good enough to secure a long victory for team captain Stacy Lewis.
Even Charley Hull’s extraordinary fighting spirit could not spark a miracle in the Solheim Cup. A stunning 6&4 world-beating of Nelly Korda in the opening singles match was a defiant statement that sparked hope, but a United States team desperate to end its empty-nett run ultimately thrived on its prodigious talent despite an unexpected upset. the conclusion.
After Megan Khang, Allsen Corpuz and Rose Zhang reached three points in the first five games, Stacy Lewis’ team seemed to be going, with only 1.5 points to win. But Suzann Pettersen’s side had other ideas and the scoreboard at one point looked red and turned blue as the Europeans mounted a thrilling battle.
Céline Boutier snatched victory from Lexi Thompson in the final with a magnificent birdie, while Leona Maguire, who played just two matches all week, defeated Ally Ewing 4&3. Madelene Sagstrom earned another point for Europe when she beat Sarah Schmelzel 1up, while Sweden’s Maja Stark braved a 15-footer at the end to tie her match with Lauren Coughlin.
THREE FOUR GAMES
But it fell to Lilia Vu, who until then was disappointed with her contribution during the week, to end Europe’s hopes of a record comeback, hitting her last pass to tie her match with rookie Albane Valenzuela,
American captain Stacy Lewis said: “It really could have gone either way. It was crazy there at the end the way it all happened. I was just hoping and praying that it would go our way. It’s amazing how these things go down to half here and there. Fortunately, this time we were on the right side.
“I am proud of the whole team. And Lilia’s finish there was unbelievable. That’s what you expect from the best players in the world.”
European captain Suzann Pettersen commented: “We gave them their money. I don’t think anyone expected us to be here at 2.30pm and have a chance. It’s hard to believe that we actually had the opportunity to give them such a head start. But I am happy today. It’s always fun on Sunday.
“There were opportunities out there, and many times we thought we could do it. It came in a few games. I’m happy for Stacy, but we’ll be back hungry.
Of course it hurts to lose, but at the end of the day we had a lot of little carts in our team this week. We had so much fun, so many laughs, and moments that I will cherish forever. It’s been a great trip. The Solheim Cups – the best.”
Sunday Singles Results – Europe 6.5 USA 5.5
Charley Hull (EUR) explains. Nelly Korda (USA) 6&4
Megan Khang (USA) explains. Emily Pedersen (EUR) 6&5
Georgia Hall (EUR) explains. Alison Lee (USA) 4&3
Allsen Corpuz (USA) explains. Anna Nordqvist (EUR) 4&3
Rose Zhang (USA) explains. Carlota Ciganda (EUR) 6&4
Esther Henseleit (EUR) tied Andrea Lee (USA) TIED
Celine Boutier (EUR) explains. Lexi Thompson (USA) 1 up
Maja Stark (EUR) tied Lauren Coughlin (USA) TIED
Lilia Vu (USA) tied Albane Valenzuela (EUR) TIED
Madelene Sagstrom (EUR) explains. Sarah Schmelzel (USA) 1 up
Leona Maguire (EUR) explains. Ally Ewing (USA) 4&3
Jennifer Kupcho (USA) explains. Linn Grant (EUR) 2&1
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