Saso, Martirez cop Costa Mesa crowns

MANILA, Philippines - Yuka Saso held off ICTSI teammate Bernice Olivarez-Ilas’ sizzling round to capture the 25th Annual Costa Mesa Championship crown with a closing three-under 67 for a three-stroke victory at the Mesa Linda Course in California Friday.

Saso lost in a final day shootout with Ilas, who scorched the par-70 layout with a sterling six-under 64, but the former secured the victory with back-to-back birdies from No. 17. She wound up with a 139, nailing his second straight win after dominating the PING Summer Championship Series at Mission Hills in Southern California last month.

Saso, the 12-year-old newest member of Team ICTSI, actually wavered at the frontside with two bogeys against a birdie for a 36 but birdied the first two holes at the back then holed out with two more to frustrate Ilas for the Class B (11-14) honors.

Sam Martirez carded a two-over 72 but still edged ICTSI teammate Abby Arevalo by two for the Class A (15-18) crown with a 146. Arevalo, coming off a win in the PING tilt, struggled with a 76 for a 148 while Sam Nakahira placed third with a 151 after a 76.

Six down at the start of the final round of the 36-hole tournament, Ilas birdied Nos. 2 and 3, reeled back with a bogey on the next but birdied No. 5. She matched Saso’s birdies on Nos. 10 and 11 then hit two more on Nos. 15 and 16 to close within one but missed her own birdie chances on the last two holes and settled for runner-up honors at 142.

Sofia Chabon capped the Philippines domination of the event by finishing third at 149 after a 72 while Mikhaela Fortuna wound up fourth with a 151.