Lilia Vu Clinches Solheim Cup for Team USA in Thrilling Finish

Lilia Vu secured the Solheim Cup for the United States in Gainesville, Virginia, after clinching half a point in her match against Europe's Albane Valenzuela. The victory marked the Americans' first win since 2017 and denied Europe a fourth consecutive triumph, despite a strong final day comeback.

Lilia Vu clinched the Solheim Cup for the United States on Sunday in Gainesville, Virginia, by earning half a point in her match against Europe's Albane Valenzuela. This critical point brought the U.S. team to the 14-1/2 target needed to reclaim the trophy.

The United States required 4-1/2 points from the 12 singles matches. Wins by Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, Allisen Corpuz, and half-points from Andrea Lee and Lauren Coughlin set the stage for Vu's decisive performance, sealing the victory with just two other matches still on the course. "This has been everything," Vu said. "It's a dream of mine to have won the Solheim Cup for the team."

Despite trailing Valenzuela with two holes remaining, Vu secured her win with consecutive birdies, including a crucial tap-in on the final hole. The triumph marked the Americans' first win in this biennial match-play event since 2017 and halted Europe's aspirations for a fourth consecutive championship.

Europe, needing a record-equaling comeback to retain the title, started strong with Charley Hull's victory over world number one Nelly Korda. While the U.S. clinched three of the next four matches, Europe narrowed the gap to 14-11 before Vu's decisive win. European captain Suzann Pettersen praised her team's resilient effort, while U.S. captain Stacy Lewis emphasized the intense and unpredictable nature of the competition. The U.S. now leads the overall Solheim Cup series 11-7-1. The next tournament will be held at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, in 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)