Ciganda's late sparkle lifts Europe on dramatic opening day of Solheim Cup

As Solheim Cup rivalries were renewed for the 20th time, Carlota Ciganda once again stole the show after Europe's top pairing of Charley Hull and Lottie Woad failed to ignite against the United States at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands

The 36-year-old Spaniard, who is the oldest player on show this weekend, let out a roar of pure emotion after holing a 15-foot putt to earn Europe what had seemed an unlikely half point in the final fourball match of the day to ensure honours are even at 4-4 heading into Saturday.

Ciganda's celebration evoked memories of the nerve-shredding finale at Finca Cortesin in 2023, when her putt allowed Europe to retain the trophy with a 14-14 tie.

And once again Nelly Korda, beaten by Ciganda in Spain three years ago, was on the receiving end.

The world number one, and her playing partner Lauren Coughlin, both left match-winning putts short to allow Ciganda, who had crucially won the 16th hole with an eagle, to deliver a stunning reprieve for Anna Nordqvist's team.

"I love this week. I just love playing for the team, for my team-mates. We fought hard and we got half a point, which is important," said Ciganda, who is playing in her eighth Solheim Cup.

"It gives us big momentum and hopefully we can take that into and win both [o Saturday's] morning and afternoon sessions."

European hopes of parity had begun to fade into the shadows of the evening sunshine, with Angela Stanford's visitors seemingly assuming control of the biggest team competition in women's golf.