'Silent assassin' Leona Maguire backed to inspire Europe

Ireland's Leona Maguire has been hailed as a "silent assassin" by team-mate Emily Pedersen as Europe bid to win an unprecedented third straight Solheim Cup.

Maguire made her debut in the biennial contest in 2021 and enjoyed a starring role at Inverness Club in Toledo, winning a record four-and-a-half points from her five matches.

The 28-year-old's performance helped Catriona Matthew's underdogs retain the trophy and the home side have been installed as favourites to taste more success against the United States at Finca Cortesin in Spain. The competition begins on Friday.

Pedersen, who was somewhat of a surprise pick by captain Suzann Pettersen after dropping to 122nd in the world rankings, was full of praise for Maguire, who won her second LPGA Tour title earlier this year.

"She's kind of like a silent assassin," Pedersen said. "She's very calm and steady, but then last time I think she was the MVP [most valuable player] of the team.

"She made a lot of points, played a lot of matches. She's obviously super steady, and I think she will do great again.

"I think she holed out, like, two or three times today on a chip [in practice], so that's pretty good to see."

Team-mate Madelene Sagstrom believes the American players will be wary of facing Maguire, adding: "I've known her for a long time growing up. We've played a lot of junior golf together.

"You wouldn't want to meet her in match play, so I think nobody wants to meet her this week."

While Maguire will be making just her second appearance in the Solheim Cup, Sweden's Anna Nordqvist [pictured above] is not only playing for the eighth time, but also acting as one of Pettersen's assistant captains.

"I love press conferences so much so I get to do two this week," joked Nordqvist, who