Curtis Cup: Great Britain and Ireland beat US in thriller at Sunningdale

Great Britain and Ireland won the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016 with a thrilling 10½-9½ victory over the United States at Sunningdale.

It is a ninth victory for GB&I, who were led by double Solheim Cup winning captain Catriona Matthew, in the 43rd staging of the amateur event.

The home side led 7-5 going into Sunday’s eight singles but at one point were behind in six of the matches.

However, Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes and Lorna McClymont all won to take GB&I to 10 points, but they needed another half to regain the trophy.

Mimi Rhodes delivered it with a par on the 17th seeing her remain one ahead with one to play and although she lost the 18th, the halved match was enough to secure the win.

Rhodes had been three down on the eighth tee but won four of the next seven to move into a one-hole lead.

Lottie Woad, the world number one amateur, suffered her first defeat in five matches, beaten 3&2 in the top match by 15-year-old American Asterisk Talley.

Anna Davis, Jasmine Koo and Rachel Kuehn also recorded respective victories over Hannah Darling, Beth Coulter and Aine Donegan.

“It’s right up there with everything, the Solheim Cup wins [as captain] and playing in that. I couldn’t be prouder,” said Matthew, who also won the Curtis Cup as a player.

“The future of women’s golf is in good hands when you see both teams. It was a great contest, you love these to be close.

“It’s what makes it exciting for all the fans and it’s just nice to edge your way on top.”