Europe win back Solheim Cup from US

Europe won back the Solheim Cup today when Britain's Catriona Matthew secured the point to seal victory over the United States…

Europe won back the Solheim Cup today when Britain's Catriona Matthew secured the point to seal victory over the United States.

Matthew hit her approach to just five feet at the 16th to complete a 3 & 2 win over Rosie Jones, taking Europe to the winning total of 14 1/2 at a sun-drenched Barseback Golf and Country Club.

Europe, who had taken a three-point lead over the holders going into the last-day singles, won three of the first four matches out.

Juli Inkster drew first blood for the Americans, outclassing Swede Carin Koch 5 & 4. But Britain's Janice Moodie beat Kelli Kuehne 3 & 2, Sophie Gustafson of Sweden trounced rookie Heather Bowie 5 & 4 and Dane Iben Tinning had the better of Wendy Ward 2 & 1 to put Europe on track for victory.

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Sweden's world number one Annika Sorenstam then beat Angela Stanford 3 & 2 to take Europe to within a point of victory.

The United States, who staged a dramatic comeback to win last year's Solheim Cup at Interlachen in Minnesota, lead the series 5-3.

Collated results in the concluding singles of the Solheim Cup, Europe v UnitedStates of America, at Barseback, Malmo, Sweden

(Europe names first, Europe led 9 1/2-6 1/2 after first two days):

Janice Moodie btKelli Kuehne 3 and 2
Carin Koch lostto Juli Inkster 5 and 4
Sophie Gustafson btHeather Bowie 5 and 4
Iben Tinning btWendy Ward 2 and 1
Ana Belen Sanchez lostto Michele Redman 3 and 1
Catriona Matthew btRosie Jones 3 and 1
Annika Sorenstam btAngela Stanford 3 and 2
Suzann Pettersen lostto Cristie Kerr (concession)
Laura Davies btMeg Mallon (concession)
Elisabeth Esterl lostto Laura Diaz 5 and 4
Mhairi McKay btBeth Daniel (concession)
Patricia Meunier-Lebouc btKelly Robbins (concession)

Singles result:Europe 8 USA 4

Match result:Europe 17 1/2 USA 10 1/2