Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Yuka Saso surges into contention in US Women's Open debut, trails leader by 2

    Pinay power on display in US Women's Open
    Dec 11, 2020
    PHOTO: AP

    YUKA Saso wasted no time making an impression in his US Women's Open debut.

    The Filipino-Japanese ace surged into contention in her maiden appearance in the golf major, firing a two-under par 69 to be just two shots behind leader Amy Olson of the US at the end of the first round on Friday morning (Manila time).

    Saso, named the PSA co-Athlete of the Year in 2018 after winning two gold medals in the Asian Games in Indonesia, even held the lead afte a flying start that saw her make four birdies without a bogey in the Cypress Creek frontline of the Champions Golf Club in Houston.

    But she wavered in the backnine, making a bogey at the 10th and another one at the last to fade into joint fifth with six others, including German-American Sophia Popov who in August won the British Women's Open at Royal Troon.

    Still, the debut was nothing less than impressive for Saso, who missed making the LPGA Tour this year and instead campaigned in the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) where she won two events this season to earn a US Open invite.

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      LPGA rookie Bianca Pagdanganan, who teamed up with Saso to win Asiad gold, also opened strongly with a one-over 72. Her round could've been better if not for a double bogey at the fifth hole of the Jackrabbit layout.

      Still, Pagdanganan isn't too far behind at joint 37th in the $5.5 million tournament, which saw Olson zoom to the top after a 67 round studded by a hole-in-one at No. 16.

      ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      PHOTO: AP
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result