By Mark Lamport-Stokes

Europe retained the Ryder Cup in emphatic style on Sunday - winning all five sessions to beat the United States for the third successive time.

Swedish rookie Henrik Stenson had the honour of winning the point that guaranteed the victory after English duo David Howell and Luke Donald had posted quick-fire wins to take Europe to an unassailable 14-point tally.

"I didn't know that was the one but I am delighted," said Stenson as his colleagues on the course continued to dominate even with the Cup already secure. They went on to complete an overall 18½-9½ rout of the Americans - their fifth victory in the last six meetings and the first time they have won three in a row.

After winning all four pairs sessions, Europe started the final day needing just four of the 12 available points to prevent the US taking the cup home for the first time since 1999.

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie extended his remarkable unbeaten record in singles to eight matches when he beat David Toms by one hole in the first match, before Englishman Paul Casey defeated world number three Jim Furyk 2 and 1.

Although Stewart Cink and Tiger Woods notched early points for the Americans, the scoreboard was predominantly blue - Europe's colour - all afternoon.

Howell, who sank a series of long putts, then beat Brett Wetterich 5 and 4 while Donald beat Chad Campbell 2 and 1. That left Stenson to beat Vaughn Taylor 4 and 3 and spark the celebrations.

There was time for more cheers - and many tears - when Darren Clarke completed a 3 and 2 victory over Zach Johnson to cap an incredibly emotional week following the death of his wife from cancer last month.

"This is just as good as it gets, for the Europeans, and for the Irish it's just fantastic," said a tearful Clarke. Asked of his memories of the week he said: "I've got too many to list. The team have been unbelievable as have the American team and their wives. It's been a difficult week but from the moment I decided to make myself available I wanted to make sure I was prepared."

European captain Ian Woosnam said: "Very emotional. I just can't say enough about my team - they've played absolutely fantastic.''

There was little for the Americans to cheer about on the day - Cink's 4 and 3 thrashing of in-form Spaniard Sergio Garcia being the highlight. Woods made himself his team's leading scorer when he beat Robert Karlsson 3 and 2 and there was a hole in one for Scott Verplank - matching the ace Casey claimed on Saturday.

"I don't know if there's ever been a European team that played better,'' said US captain Tom Lehman. "Our team came ready. Our team came very ready. I guess we weren't ready enough.''