Europe retains Solheim Cup after stunning comeback against USA
The European team celebrates Carlota Ciganda's point-winning putt at the 2023 Solheim Cup in Finca Cortesin
By Jack Bantock, CNN
(CNN) — Team Europe retained the Solheim Cup on Sunday, staging a remarkable late fightback to tie 14-14 with Team USA at Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia, Spain.
Home hero Carlota Ciganda defeated Nelly Korda in the penultimate singles match to reach the 14-point threshold the hosts needed to retain the cup, though an outright win was denied when Lexi Thompson beat Emily Pedersen in the closing matchup.
It marks the first ever tie in the 18-edition history of the biennial event.
For European captain Suzann Pettersen, who made nine playing appearances at the Solheim Cup, it pens another happy chapter in the her glittering story at the tournament.
“I think it’s meant to be. It came down to Carlota [Ciganda], in Spain, in her own hands,” Pettersen told Sky Sports.
“We have the best team. I’m so proud of them, they play with their heart.
“There is no such thing as giving up, no matter what challenge is ahead. We got off to a rough start, but we don’t look back – the sky’s the limit.”
Ciganda, congratulated personally by King Felipe VI after starring with a perfect 3-0-0 record, was full of praise for her captain.
“I have many feelings right, I’m so happy just to do this for Suzann, for Spain,” Ciganda said.
“When I saw Suzann on 16, she told me a couple of things, and I was like, ‘I’m just going to do this for her, because I love her and she deserves this.’”
Team USA, captained by Stacy Lewis, will only have to wait a year to exact revenge. The 2024 Solheim Cup sees a return to even-numbered years at Robert Trent Golf Club in Virginia, a scheduling change made to avoid clashes with the Ryder Cup, which tees off in Rome on Friday.
More to follow…
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