Davies leads Europe's quest for Solheim glory

The Europe captain Dale Reid is ready to give Laura Davies a key role in Europe's attempt to win the Solheim Cup on American soil for the first time. The matches start today at Interlachen Country Club here and Reid, who led the side to victory at Loch Lomond two years ago, is set to extend Davies' record of having played in every series. The Briton has a record 14 points from the first six Solheims.

"Laura is playing so well that I definitely see her playing in all five series this weekend," Reid said. "It's a tight course, but she's been out hitting the driver and her length will definitely be an advantage. I don't think I've ever seen her happier during a Solheim."

Mhairi McKay, one of six rookies in the side, is the other Briton in the line-up, but comes into the match having missed the cut in her last two US events.

The Americans are the favourites to extend their overall lead to 4-3. Captain Patty Sheehan's side – average age 34 to Europe's 28 and all LPGA Tour winners – have the edge in experience, and leading their side will be Juli Inkster, the 42-year-old US Open champion.

UNITED STATES: B Daniel, D Delasin, L Diaz, P Hurst, J Inkster, R Jones, C Kerr, E Klein, K Kuehne, M Mallon, M Redman, Kelly Robbins, W Ward.

EUROPE: H Alfredsson (Swe), R Carriedo (Sp), L Davies (Eng), E Esterl (Ger), S Gustafson (Swe), M Hjorth (Swe), K Icher (Fr), C Koch (Swe), P Marti (Sp), M McKay (Sco), S Pettersen (Nor), I Tinning (Den), A Sorenstam (Swe).