Yuka seizes control with another 70

Yuka Saso: 3-shot lead

Reigning Asian Games champion Yuka Saso churned out a second straight one-under-par 70 on Wednesday to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Champion Philippine Ladies Amateur Open at Manila Golf.

Although failing to go low again, Saso played just well enough as Mafie Singson and the Thai she was tied with for the lead at the start of the day struggled and didn’t come close to breaking par.

Saso had four birdies against three bogeys to lead Thailand’s Yoshita Khawnuna, who returned a 73.

Singson shot herself in the foot with an 80 and kissed her title hopes goodbye.

Another Thai, Wannasaen Chanattee, and Sofia Chabon  submitted level 70s to stay in the title hunt with 144 and 145 aggregates, respectively.

“There will be pressure (in Thursday’s final round), but I will be fine if I can hole in some birdies,” said the 17-year-old Fil-Japanese who is seeking to win this prestigious event for the second straight year.

Unlike Saso, Khawnuna and Singson sputtered when the going got tough with the Thai signing for a double bogey and two bogeys against just two birdies.

Singson, who made heads turn in the opening round on Tuesday by matching Saso’s 70, groped for form all round.