Europe win in thrilling finale

Europe defeated the United States to win the Ryder Cup yesterday, prevailing by 14 1/2 points to 13 1/2 in a thrilling contest to finally overcome a gutsy American fightback.

US Open champion Graeme McDowell was the hero for the Europeans, holding his nerve to close out a three and one victory over Hunter Mahan amid joyous scenes at Celtic Manor.

The victory avenged Europe’s defeat to the Americans at Valhalla two years ago and was witnessed by an estimated 35,000, fans who turned out in droves to see the first Monday finish in the history of the competition.

“It means the world to us, the European Tour,” jubilant Europe skipper Colin Montgomerie said.

“I didn’t hit a shot but I am so proud; so, so proud. I had a great 12 players and I always knew that. I am very proud of all the players.”

The Europeans had started the day with a commanding three-point lead ahead of the 12 singles, a huge advantage that left them needing only five points to regain the famous gold trophy.

But the United States team revived memories of their famous come-from-behind victory at Brookline in 1999 with a string of victories in the singles matches to put the Europeans under ferocious pressure.

On an afternoon of nerve-shredding drama, the contest came down to a shoot-out between McDowell and Mahan.

McDowell went two up with two to play after holing a sensational birdie putt on the par-four 16th that left him firmly in the driving seat.

And when Mahan fluffed his chip onto the green at 17 and could only bogey, the American conceded and the Ryder Cup was back in European hands.

The win was a triumph for the tactics of Montgomerie, who had deliberately chosen McDowell to anchor the host team’s singles in order to have an experienced man on the course if it went to the wire.

“There was a reason McDowell was at 12 because he is the US Open champion and full of confidence,” Montgomerie said.

“That putt on the 16th was unbelievable.”

An emotional McDowell paid tribute to Montgomerie’s captaincy after the win.

“He was amazing. For the last two years he’s been up for this. To be able to do that for him today was special,” McDowell said.

America had hauled themselves back into contention after a breathtaking fightback by youngster Rickie Fowler, the 21-year-old wildcard rookie, who earned an unlikely half point against Italy’s Edoardo Molinari.

Molinari appeared to be cruising to victory and a full point after leading by three holes with three to play.

But Fowler conjured up three consecutive birdies to level the match, crowning his comeback with a difficult long birdie putt on the 18th green.

Ultimately though, Fowler’s half point was not enough to get the Americans over the finishing line in their quest to reach the magic total of 14 points that would have allowed them to retain the trophy.