Ireland’s Leona Maguire will face world number one Nelly Korda in the final of the LPGA’s T-Mobile Match Play event after both powered into the decider.
Korda, chasing a fourth straight tournament win, beat US compatriot Angel Yin 3&2 in the last eight before overcoming South Korea’s Na-Rin An 4&3.
Maguire defeated Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn 4&3 and Korean Sei-Young Kim 3&2 in her Saturday games in Las Vegas.
“I love this golf course,” said the Irishwoman of the Shadow Creek venue.
“I keep saying it’s one of my favourites we play all year.
“It’s a challenge. You just have to embrace it for what it is and take every shot and just really try and execute.”
Maguire showed her matchplay pedigree in Europe’s last two Solheim Cup triumphs and she revealed that she met up her European team-mates for dinner on the eve of this week’s event in Las Vegas.
“It was great to catch up with everyone,” the world number 30 added.
“Ultimately I love matchplay. I like the competitiveness of it.”
‘Korda best in the world right now’
Korda came into this week’s hybrid strokeplay/matchplay tournament in blistering form after recent wins at the Drive On Championship, Los Angeles Open and Arizona Championship.
However, the 25-year-old American is expecting the toughest of challenges from the highly-competitive Irishwoman.
“Just so consistent. Such a tough competitor,” said Korda of Maguire.
“We’ve had a couple battles in Solheim Cups for sure. But I think it’s just going to be a grind tomorrow.”
Maguire says there is no doubt that Korda “is the best in the world right now”.
“I’ve got a big challenge ahead of me. I’m excited,” she added.
“I mean, that’s why you practice. You want to play the best players in the world and that’s what Nelly is.”
Maguire has secured two previous LPGA wins, having secured her maiden triumph at the Drive On Championship in 2022 before clinching victory at the Meijer Classic last season.
