Saso, 13, catches Rodriguez in the lead

TAGAYTAY—Yuka Saso rode on a two-shot swing on the final hole to tie fancied Cyna Rodriguez for second-round lead in the ICTSI Splendido Ladies Invitational at Splendido Taal Golf Club yesterday.

The 13-year-old Filipino Japanese birdied the par-5 18th from eight feet to salvage a one-over 72 and then watched Rodriguez (74) three-putt the hole to force a tie at four-over 146 heading to the last round of the P500,000 championship that also serves as the sixth leg of the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Thailand’s Amolkan Phalajivin, who finished runner-up to Rodriguez at John Hay and Mt. Malarayat, also kept her drive for a maiden crown going, turning in a gutsy 72 to trail the joint leaders by just one at 147.

Sofia Chabon, impressive with her opening 71, skied to an 83 marred by three double bogeys, and slipped to joint seventh with Korean Kwon Seo-yon, who carded a 75, at 154.

Chihiro Ikeda, also seeking to nail her first win, birdied the 17th for a 72 and 150, four shots behind the joint leaders.

Sarah Ababa lay at 153 after a 73, in a tie with Sam Martirez, who skied to a 79, while Korean amateur Ko Eu-na rallied with a 73 to tie Lovelynn Guioguio, who had a 77, at 155.

“The greens are tough to read with some pins strategically placed on slopes,” said Saso, one of the youngest members of Team ICTSI.