Europeans coast to victory 17.5-10.5

Europe's women golfers won back the Solheim Cup in crushing style on Sunday, Britain's Catriona Matthew securing the point to seal victory over the United States.

Matthew hit her approach to just five feet at the 17th to complete a 3 & 1 win over Rosie Jones, taking Europe to the winning total of 14-1/2 at a sun-drenched Barseback Golf and Country Club.

Once Matthew had clinched Europe's third victory in the tournament's eighth edition, the remaining four matches still out on the course were conceded, a point going to each leading team. That left Europe as winners by 17-1/2 points to 10-1/2.

Matthew said: "It's unbelievable. I was so nervous coming down the last hole.

"With us winning the first few matches, that made it a lot easier for the rest of us."

In the eighth edition of the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup, the host Europeans clinched the trophy for the third time.

"It's been a fantastic day and a fantastic week," said a jubilant European captain Catrin Nilsmark of Sweden. "I think everyone on the team is a winner."

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.

Seven-times 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.

Sweden's world number one Annika Sorenstam then beat Angela Stanford 3 & 2 to take Europe to within a point of triumph, before American Michele Redman earned her team's second point of the day with a 3 & 1 win over Spaniard Ana Belen Sanchez.

"It was important to get the momentum going early and we did that," said a delighted Sorenstam.

"Catrin Nilsmark has been inspirational all week. She's been struggling with a sore back, but she's just been magnificent."

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

For the first time, the U.S. do not hold either the Solheim or Ryder Cups.

Last September, the European men clinched a famous Ryder Cup triumph at The Belfry in central England, beating the U.S. by 15-1/2 points to 12-1/2 after dominating the last-day singles matches.

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