Yuka Saso. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand for OIS/IOC. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC
Turning on the heat when it truly counted, Yuka Saso on Thursday gunned down five birdies and closed out with a four-under-par 67 to win the Champion Philippine Ladies Open title for the second straight year.
The 17-year-old, the reigning Asian Games individual champion, didn’t let anyone come within striking distance the whole day and won by five shots over Thai Yosita Khawnuna with a 207 total, six-under-par over the well-manicured Manila Golf Club.
“There’s nothing special,” Saso, who also led the Philippine Team to the gold in the Asian Games in Jakarta, said. “I just played [as] steady [as I could] and I am happy I won for the second straight time.”
Khawnuna wasn’t bad, shooting a 69, while Sofia Chabon, another national pool member, signed for a 70 for 215 and third spot, eight shots off.
Chantee Wannasaen of Thailand finished with a 217 tally after a 73.
But Saso was simply untouchable.
“She’s just too good for everyone and Yuka has the putting skills that can’t be matched by the best putters here at Manila Golf—male or female,” said Alex Prieto, the many-time MGC club champion.
The next event for Saso will be The Country Club Ladies championship in Laguna, where she will play as an amateur against a pro crop that will include World No. 2 Park Sung-hyun of South Korea.
“This [win] is a big morale boost heading to the TCC,” Saso said.
Sung will be playing in that $100,000 tournament as part of her commitment to new sponsor Solaire Resorts and Casino, owned by golf patron Ricky Razon.