Yuka Saso ends tied for 3rd in Augusta

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Games gold medalist Yuka Saso showcased her world-class skills and talent with a superb three-under 69, finishing tied for third with Japanese Yuka Yasuda in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur ruled by American Jennifer Kupcho at Augusta National in Georgia Saturday.

Though she didn’t get a clear shot at the historic crown after starting the final round of the 54-hole tournament six shots behind Kupcho, Saso still showed her potentials, taming the home of the Masters with six birdies against three bogeys, capping her sterling stint with two birdies in the last three holes.

Kupcho, who dominated the first 36 holes at Champions Retreat Golf Club, outdueled college rival Maria Fassi of Mexico, firing a 67 to win by four with a 206, becoming the first woman to capture a championship at the former all-male Augusta National.

Fassi carded a 70 for a 210 while another four shots back at 214 were Saso and Yasuda, who matched par 72.

Six behind Kupcho heading to the last 18 holes, the ICTSI-backed Saso opened with back-to-back pars before birdying the next two holes. But just as she thought she had figured out the world famous course, she stumbled with a bogey on No. 7.

Still, with a one-under card after nine holes, Saso headed to the backside brimming with confidence. She struck a solid approach shot and birdied No. 11, the first of three holes comprising the iconic Amen Corner. She wavered with a bogey on the par-5 13th but birdied the next before dropping another stroke on No. 15, the last par-5.

But she turned what had appeared to be a rollercoaster finish into a fiery windup, closing out with a birdie-par-birdie feat to secure a top three finish among 30 players who survived the 36-hole elims among the world’s top 72 players in the ranks.