Majestic Leona takes British Open crown

LEONA MAGUIRE stormed to the Ladies British Open strokeplay title in sensational fashion yesterday at Royal Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.

Two strokes off the pace at halfway, the 16-year-old Curtis Cup player from Slieve Russell in Co Cavan demolished the field with two breathtaking rounds to win by an amazing six strokes.

Up until yesterday no-one had broken par on this ferocious parkland course but Maguire did it twice on the final day to pulverise the opposition.

This is not the first time the plus five handicapper has taken a field apart — she cantered to a 15-stroke success in the Portuguese Open in January.

Her third-round 69 was brilliantly compiled, the highlight being an eagle three on the 477-yard fifth hole, and it put her a commanding five strokes clear with one round remaining.

She then repeated the feat in the afternoon. In the end she posted a 72-hole aggregate of level par 288, winning by six strokes from Belgium’s Laurence Herman.

“Today I played well and everything seemed to go right,” said Maguire whose sister Lisa failed to survive the halfway cut .

Charlene Reid of Royal Portrush had a poor afternoon to finish in joint 21st place, while Sarah Cunningham of Ennis had two 78s to end in joint 32nd place.