Saso stays on top by three strokes

San Diego, California—It’s now Yuka Saso’s tournament to lose.

Saso put on another fine display of all-around consistency to card a two-under-par 70 on Thursday (Friday in Manila) and stay in front by three strokes after the penultimate round of the girls’ 15-18 years competition in the IMG Academy Junior World Championships here.

The 16-year-old Saso survived the pressure test when pitted against two Japanese flight mates, firing three birdies to cushion a bogey at Torrey Pines North as she moved 18 holes closer to a victory the Philippine contingent badly needs after faltering in the other divisions.

Rianne Malixi, the only other Filipino who had a shot at winning, failed to deliver. Just a shot off the lead going to the last round, Malixi returned a triple bogey-marred 75 and finished third behind Canada’s Michelle Liu and Avery Zweigh of Texas at 217.

Sean Dominique Granada was the best performer among the Filipino boys, his 73-216 giving him a share of 18th place.

Worse, all five PH bets in the boys’ 15-18 years missed the cut.

“I’ll try to focus on my game,” said Saso, who has led all three rounds after scores of 66 and 69. “I will be in the same situation like last year but hopefully, I’ll play better.”

Saso had an even larger lead of four strokes last year but gave it all up on the first six holes and ended up sharing second after a count back.

It will be the same final threesome as in Thursday’s third round with Saso, leading at 228, joined by Japan’s Nao Ohbayashi (69-208) and Anna Kono (70-209).