Yuka Saso played relentlessly and staved off all resistance from the talented field to keep the Champion Philippine Ladies Amateur Open crown in runaway fashion at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Forbes Park on Thursday.
No one got closer than three strokes to Saso, whose superb driving and near-impeccable irons earned her five birdies against a lone bogey to cruise to a five-shot victory over Thailand’s Yosita Khawnuna at six-under 207 in the 54-hole championship.
“There’s nothing special with my win. I just played steady and I’m happy I made it for the second straight time,” said the reigning Asian Games gold medalist, who surged ahead by three with back-to-back 70s on Wednesday.
Khawnuna turned in a decent 69 but just couldn’t keep pace with the unflappable Fil-Japanese, who birdied Nos. 4 and 6 then added three more at the back against a bogey.
The Thai, who tied Saso and Mafy Singson after 18 holes but fell behind by three in the second round, wound up with a 212.
Sofia Chabon also stayed in the background all throughout in the featured flight and failed to get her game going to finish with a 70 for third with 215 in the event organized and conducted by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.
Chantee Wannasaen placed fourth at 217 after a 73, while compatriot Natthakritta Vongtaveelap shot a 72 for fifth at 223.
Australia’s Olivia Kerr shared the spotlight by claiming the Class A crown with a 252, while Ina Guingona took the Class B plum with a 281.
Saso’s victory was in stark contrast to her previous win at the Orchard last year where she rallied from three down to beat Mikha Fortuna by two. And it will surely boost her confidence as she goes up against an elite field, including world No. 2 Sung Hyun Park, in the inaugural The Country Club (TCC) Ladies Invitational from March 6 to 8.
“This is a big morale boost heading to the TCC Ladies,” Saso said. “I hope to make it.”