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

Europe's hopes for the Solheim Cup were boosted by Carlota Ciganda's dramatic recovery on the final hole of the day's fourball matches. The 36-year-old Spaniard, playing for Anna Nordqvist's team, let out a roar after holing a 15-foot putt to earn Europe an unlikely half point against the USA. This success came after Ciganda's playing partner, Lottie Woad, and US player Nelly Korda both left match-winning putts short, allowing Ciganda to deliver a stunning reprieve. Ciganda, who had crucially won the 16th hole with an eagle, said '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.' The win gives Europe a 4-4 scoreline after the first day, setting them up for a crucial showdown on Saturday. History has shown that a good start is essential in this competition, with the team holding the advantage after the opening day taking home the trophy 14 out of 19 times. This decision to send out Charley Hull and Woad first in both the morning foursomes and the afternoon fourballs failed to deliver the impetus Europe's captain Nordqvist would have hoped for. Meanwhile, US captain Annika Sorenstam said 'We knew it was going to be a tough battle, and it certainly was. But we're happy with where we are at 4-4.' The US team is looking to retain the trophy following their 15½-12½ victory in Virginia two years ago. The Solheim Cup is being held at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands, where the US team held a 6-2 lead at the same stage two years ago. Europe's captain Anna Nordqvist will be eager to turn the tables on Saturday.