Saso moves to No. 48, seeks first place in JLPGA major

Saso moves to No. 48, seeks first place in JLPGA major

Dante Navarro (Philstar.com) – November 24, 2020 – 11:56 am

MANILA, Philippines – Despite falling short again last time, Yuka Saso is steadily climbing up the world rankings, jumping seven spots to No. 48 in the latest Rolex women’s golf world rankings.

And he hopes to use his latest raise to drive a dream finale to the LPGA of Japan Tour, which wraps up its pandemic-hit 14-tournament season in Miyazaki Prefecture for the JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup starting Thursday, November 26 in the Miyazaki. Country club.

As the last major of the year, the Y120 million championship offering a whopping Y30 million (approximately P14 million) to the winner features a select field of 37 players made up of the leading players in the current Player of the Year derby and career. list of winnings. this year’s stage winners, those with world rankings and former POTY and Money Race winners.

Topping the elite cast is last year’s champion Bae Seon Woo of Korea and rising local star Ayaka Furue, 20, whose three wins, including last week’s Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open, where she surpassed Saso in the final round, they pushed her past the fil-Japanese. in the race for the coveted POTY crown (Mercedes Ranking).

Saso said he didn’t play poorly in last Sunday’s final, but his putts just didn’t sink. A three-putt error from 40 feet on the opening hole heralded a day of struggle for the ICTSI-backed shooter on the soft surface of Elleair Golf Club Matsuyama as she cushioned a pair of birdie opportunities that derailed her rear charge.

“I had fun all four days and I hope I can enjoy playing golf as usual,” said the 19-year-old rookie, who despite her joint third place had held the lead in the race for the money with Y89,253,170. She would need at least a third place finish this week to become the first player to accumulate Y100 million in just 14 tournaments.

But NEC winner Karuizawa and Nitori Ladies would rather focus on winning the crown and claiming Player of the Year honors. With 1048.85 points, Saso is behind Furue (1131.78) by only 82.93 points with the Ricoh Cup betting 400 points for the winner.

“I am happy to receive it but I am not doing it for money. I just want to play golf, ”Saso said.

Sakura Koiwai also remains in the hunt with 965.84 points.

Meanwhile, Furue, who also caught the Itoen Ladies headband through the playoffs last week, jumped from No. 30 to No. 16 in the world rankings, which made her feel so confident and motivated to close out the season with three consecutive victories.

But Saso is also ready and eager to finish her first season in style, guaranteeing a shootout from the first shot of the 72-hole event with players like Bae, Koiwai, Ai Suzuki, Hinako Shibuno, Minami Katsu, Miki Sakai, Mone. Inami, Shin Jie, Momoko Ueda, Saki Nagamine, Yuna Nishimura, Ayaka Watanabe, and Erika Hara, all excited to reunite the young couple for the championship.