Europe's team has lifted the Solheim Cup trophy three times in a row, but now saw themselves defeated by the USA at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.
The Americans won with 15.5–12.5.
It's fantastic, but it's stressful to stand by and watch. It could have gone either way here at the end, says USA's captain Stacy Lewis in Viaplay's broadcast.
Believed in a miracle
It was a strong Friday that put the USA in the driver's seat – then the home players won the foursome and best ball matches with 6–2.
It's almost hard to believe that we finally had a chance, with the tough start, says Europe's captain Suzann Pettersen.
With a 6–10 deficit ahead of Sunday's final twelve singles matches, Europe's players and leaders looked to the men's equivalent, the Ryder Cup, for inspiration.
We need to make a record-strong effort in the singles again. It would be a miracle, but we've seen it happen before, said Suzann Pettersen ahead of Sunday.
Twelve years ago, the European men turned around a similar deficit away against the USA for victory – something that has come to be called the "miracle of Medinah".
Englishwoman Charley Hull crushed world number one Nelly Korda – it was already decided on the 14th hole – in the first singles match. A power demonstration that could have created nervousness in the USA's camp, but initially, it wasn't so.
The first five matches were decided early with 3–2 in the USA's favor. For example, Swedish Solheim Cup veteran Anna Nordqvist lost with 3/4 against Allisen Corpuz.
However, it lacked another 1.5 points to reach the 14.5 points required for victory. Then it suddenly became dramatic.
World number two decided
Europe's players fought back from behind in several matches and created tension in the competition, but it wasn't enough all the way. After two matches ended in a draw – which gives half a point to both teams – the last American half-point could finally be secured.
World number two Lilia Vu hit a perfect approach shot on the 18th hole and could win the hole with a birdie to share the match with Albane Valenzuela, Switzerland.
Maja Stark shared her match against Lauren Coughlin, Madelene Sagström beat Sarah Schmelzel with 1/0, while Linn Grant lost to Jennifer Kupcho with 1/2.
Daniel Kihlström/TT
Facts: Sunday's singles matches
TT
Charley Hull–Nelly Korda 6/4.
Emily Pedersen–Megan Khang 5/6.
Georgia Hall–Alison Lee 4/3
Anna Nordqvist–Allisen Corpuz 3/4
Carlota Ciganda–Rose Zhang 4/6
Esther Henseleit–Andrea Lee shared
Céline Boutier–Lexi Thompson 1/0
Maja Stark–Lauren Coughlin shared
Albane Valenzuela–Lilia Vu shared
Madelene Sagström–Sarah Schmelzel 1/0
Leona Maguire–Ally Ewing 4/3
Linn Grant–Jennifer Kupcho 1/2
The women's team competition between Europe and the USA has been held every other year since 1990. Due to the pandemic, the competition is now being held two years in a row (2023 and 2024) – this is so that the men's Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup do not decide the same year in the future.
The competition is decided over eight foursome matches, eight best ball matches, and twelve singles matches.
A total of 28 points are at stake, which means that the team that first reaches 14.5 points has won. In the event of a tie at 14–14, the reigning champion team retains the trophy. This happened last year for Europe, which has won the competition both in 2021 and 2019.
The USA won this year's edition with 15.5–12.5. The USA has now won the competition eleven times – Europe has won seven times and retained the trophy once in a tie.
