Saso: Going for 2nd pro win
Amateur ace Yuka Saso tests her mettle against top local professionals and Thai aces when the ICTSI Ayala Greenfield Ladies Challenge blasts off Wednesday in Calamba, Laguna.
After a dominant showing which saw her clinch the Philippine Amateur Stroke and Match Play titles last year, Saso heads eight amateurs raring to contend for the crown in the 54-hole championship kicking off this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) sponsored by ICTSI.
Also seeking glory are former Junior World champion Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Laia Barro, Marianne Bustos, Sam Dizon, Baek Yeun Jea and Sam Martirez.
The 17-year-old Saso, also the World Junior Girls titlist and spearhead of the victorious Philippine team in Canada in 2016, is gunning for her second pro title after ruling the LPGT Eagle Ridge, also in 2016.
The elite pro roster includes LPGA and Symetra Tour campaigner Dottie Ardina, Cyna Rodriguez and Princess Superal, who also campaigns in the Symetra Tour, and LPGT leg winners Chihiro Ikeda, Sarah Ababa and Korean Euna Koh.
Pauline del Rosario, newly crowned LPGT Order of Merit queen with four victories in her rookie season, is raring to atone for her poor performance in the season-ending tournament at South Forbes two weeks ago.
The Thais, winners of the final two legs last year, will have Saraporn Chamchoi, Tiranan Yoopan, Chonlada ChayanunSaruttaya Ngam-usawan and Wannasiri Sirisampant. —ROY LUARCA