EUROPE DEFEATED THE United States to retain the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles after Jamie Donaldson grabbed the crucial point Paul McGinley’s side needed for the win when he defeated Keegan Bradley 4 and 3 in the 10th of the closing 12 singles.

That took Paul McGinley’s side to 14.5 points and past the 14 they needed to retain the trophy as holders.

The day had started with Europe 10-6 ahead of the Americans and needing just four points to ensure a draw that would end the US challenge.

Tom Watson’s men needed 14.5 points to win the cup back for the first time since 2008.

The Americans started well, but they could not maintain the early momentum and it came down to Welshman Donaldson to supply the coup de grace in his clash with Bradley.

It meant another chapter had been written in Europe’s recent domination of the Ryder Cup, and left the United States with just two wins in the last 10 matches.

Europe are on the verge of winning the Ryder Cup after this Martin Kaymer chip

McIlroy and McDowell lead the way for Europe with wins in Ryder Cup singles