Ryder Cup 2018: Europe storm to victory in Paris

After coming into the final day 10-6 behind, USA upped the pressure with early points on the board but Europe held their nerve to clinch a famous and unexpectedly comprehensive victory

Europe clinched a comprehensive Ryder Cup victory in Paris after riding out USA’s rally in the Sunday singles at Le Golf National.

After coming into the final day 10-6 behind, USA upped the pressure with early points on the board for Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau. But the Europeans held their nerve as Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter and Thorbjorn Olesen all won their matches, and sealed the trophy when Phil Mickelson conceded to Francesco Molinari on the 16th tee, having found the water with his tee shot.

The 17½-10½ victory was Europe’s sixth in a row at home and extended their unbeaten record on European soil to more than a quarter of a century.

Molinari is the first European ever to register a perfect 5-0 record in the contest, with American Larry Nelson the only other to do so in 1979. “It means so much, more than majors, more than anything. It’s hard not to get emotional,” he said.

“They had probably the strongest team ever and we were just so good, it is unreal. I just tried to do things well and be professional. Today it was hard to get the energy but I stepped it up when I had to.”

Europe’s triumphant captain Thomas Bjorn said: “They have been amazing, the 12 of them, unbelievable. They were determined to set out and do the job themselves and for me it was an easy job to guide them in that direction. Experience when you come in with the right attitude produces special things.

“It was getting tight a little bit but I had belief and faith in this team that they were going to deliver and they delivered more than they should have.”

Sunday singles scoreboard

Europe 17.5-10.5 USA

• Rory McIlroy vs Justin Thomas 1UP
• Paul Casey vs Brooks Koepka A/S
• Justin Rose vs Webb Simpson 3&2
• Jon Rahm 2&1 vs Tiger Woods
• Tommy Fleetwood vs Tony Finau 6&4
• Ian Poulter 2UP vs Dustin Johnson
• Thorbjorn Olesen 5&4 vs Jordan Spieth
• Sergio Garcia 2&1 vs Rickie Fowler
• Francesco Molinari 4&2 vs Phil Mickelson
• Tyrrell Hatton vs Patrick Reed 3&2
• Henrik Stenson 5&4 vs Bubba Watson
• Alex Noren 1UP vs Bryson DeChambeau