Nicholas selects two Solheim deputies

LONDON, England -- European captain Alison Nicholas has broken with tradition and named two assistants for next year's Solheim Cup in Illinois.

Nicholas has opted to have both former U.S. and British Women's Open champion Liselotte Neumann and England's Joanne Morley as her deputies.

Previous European captains have had only one assistant, but Nicholas said she believed that having one based in America and another in Europe could help her side achieve a first triumph in the United States.

"I'm thrilled that Lotta and Joanne accepted my invitation -- their combined Solheim Cup experience will be invaluable and will help to complement my strengths," Nicholas said.

"Lotta is a well-respected player, having competed in six Solheim Cups and been on two winning teams, and Joanne is a very good friend who worked with me behind the scenes when I was vice-captain in 2005."

Neumann added: "It's so great to be part of the Solheim Cup again. I tried to play my way onto the team over the last few years, but wasn't able to make it, so to be part of the team in this way I'm absolutely thrilled."

Morley, a veteran of the 1996 match, said: "I am honored that Alison asked me. Hopefully we can pull all the right strings and bring the cup back to Europe.

"We are all going to be 100% positive, especially with Alison at the helm. She is one of the most positive people I know."

American captain Beth Daniel recently named Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins as her assistants for the match at Rich Harvest Farms on August 21-23, 2009. E-mail to a friend