America were made to work hard for victory in the Solheim Cup at Muirfield Village in Ohio today. But win the United States did when British Open champion Sherri Steinhauer went dormie three-up on Scotland's Catriona Matthew in the 10th of the 12 singles.

Needing to take nine of the 12 games to win back the trophy, Europe went looking for a near-miracle on the course where the Americans suffered their first home defeat in the Ryder Cup 11 years ago.

A par at the last was enough to see Laura Davies past Pat Hurst.

Helen Alfredsson beat Juli Inkster two and one, then current world number one Annika Sorenstam registered the same margin against Donna Andrews to cut America's lead to just two points.

Controversial Dottie Pepper hit back for the home side with a three and two victory over Trish Johnson.

The home side were just 1 1/2 points from their target when Rosie Jones trounced Catrin Nilsmark six and four, but Lotta Neumann hung on to beat Brandie Burton when both players bogeyed the last.

Sorenstam's younger sister Charlotta won the 14th and 15th to get back on terms with Kelly Robbins, but the American then sank birdie putts of 15 and 12 feet on the next two greens to take her side half a point from the retention of the cup.

Stoke's Lisa Hackney delayed the celebrations with a superb six and five success over Betsy King.