Yuka Saso. FACEBOOK PHOTO
Yuka Saso went after the pins like the championship was on the line and went on to post a six-under-par 66 Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) for a two-stroke lead in the girls 15-18 years division of the IMG Academy Junior World Championships in San Diego, California.
The 16-year-old Filipino-Japanese highlighted a fiery round at Torrey Pines North with an eagle on the par-5 17th where she holed a putt from 30 feet to step ahead of Thai Kan Bunnabodee, who shot a 68.
Mikha Fortuna likewise had an impressive start with a 71 for a share of 10th in the same division and so did Rianne Malixi and Eagle Ace Superal, who barged into the Top 6 of their divisions.
Superal, seeking to win another title for a family of Junior World champions, was among those tied for fifth in the girls 11-12 years play at Bernardo Heights Country Club while Malixi was four shots behind in a six-way tie for sixth place despite a 74 at Sycuan Oak-Glen.
Saso’s explosive start also saw her shoot birdies on Nos. 1, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
Together with the 76 of Bernice Ilas, the Philippines trailed Chinese Taipei (140) in the team event with a 142.
“I really didn’t expect to shoot a low score, but I played aggressive today and aimed at the pins. Fortunately I holed a lot of putts,” said Saso.