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SOLHEIM CUP 2011:AS ALISON Nicholas glanced out of the patio windows at Killeen Castle in Dunsany, Co Meath, yesterday to see the winds whipping the fescue grasses into a wild frenzy and the waves rippling across the lakes, you could almost sense her pursing her lips in anticipation of the ordeal that will await the United States in defence of the Solheim Cup against a European team captained, for a second time, by the Englishwoman.

In her prime playing days, Nicholas was known as something of a terrier; a player who refused to back down, as demonstrated in her US Women’s Open triumph in 1997 over no less a legend than Nancy Lopez. Now, Nicholas has been given a chance to gain revenge for the Solheim Cup defeat to the USA at Rich Harvest Farms in August with yesterday’s confirmation of her reappointment as Europe’s captain for the match over the Jack Nicklaus-designed Killeen Castle course on 23rd-25th September, 2011.