Fleetwood wins Ryder Cup for Europe despite blistering USA rally

Europe led 14-11 overall with Fleetwood 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play after the American dumped his tee shot on the short par-four 16th into the water.

Fleetwood struck his drive into the heart of the green and calmy stroked his eagle putt to the holeside to ensure Europe a seventh consecutive home victory.

The moment @TommyFleetwood1 secured the half point that guarantees we win the Ryder Cup ??#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/45MHGfK516

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland led the way with early victories in the Rome sunshine and Jon Rahm also snatched half a point from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th green.

Luke Donald's Europe started the day four points from lifting the trophy they lost in a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits two years ago.

They raced out of the blocks in the Rome sunshine before the USA enjoyed a surge to quieten the huge home crowds, at one point leading in seven matches and tied in the other.

The Americans were attempting to pull off the biggest Sunday Ryder Cup comeback, having trailed 10.5-5.5 at the start of the day, and win on European soil for the first time since 1993.

Still only four teams have come from behind on Sunday to win the trophy since continental Europe joined the event in 1979, with the Americans' 1999 'Battle of Brookline' success and Europe's 'Miracle at Medinah' coming from having been 10-6 behind.

Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green.

"We've had a couple of really good matches. He's a heck of a competitor," said Spaniard Rahm. "You know, my hat's off to him and I'm glad I could get a halve."

Viktor