Saso clinches US Open berth

MANILA, Philippines — Yuka Saso is headed for her first major in the world’s premier ladies circuit as she led 27 other players who gained entry via the Rolex Rankings, completing the 156-player cast in the US Open set Dec. 10-13 at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

Saso the other day moved to No. 55 in the women’s world ranking despite a missed cut stint in her last tournament in the LPGA of Japan Tour with her forthcoming appearance in the year’s final major championship serving as a sort of reward for her impressive maiden campaign in the JLPGA.

Meanwhile, Saso and Sakura Koiwai face off today in a no-holds-barred duel of nerves with so much at stake other than the crown in the Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open at the Elleair Golf Club Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture.

The duo are locked in a furious battle for the coveted Player of the Year honors with Saso, with 928.85 ranking points, just ahead by 31.76 points over Koiwai, who totes 897.09 with two events left in the pandemic-hit LPGA of Japan season.    

no-holds-barred duel of nerves with so much at stake other than the crown in the Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open at the Elleair Golf Club Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture.

The duo are locked in a furious battle for the coveted Player of the Year honors with Saso, with 928.85 ranking points, just ahead by 31.76 points over Koiwai, who totes 897.09 with two events left in the pandemic-hit LPGA of Japan season.