MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines stands to lose one of its top superstars in the international arena with reigning US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso inclined to choose Japanese nationality in two years’ time.
Saso, 20, was born to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father. Under Japan’s nationality laws, however, dual citizens must select their nationality by the age of 22.
“I chose Japanese nationality,” she was quoted by Japanese news outlets as saying during a presscon yesterday ahead of her campaign in the Toto Japan Classic in Shiga Prefecture.
“I have in my heart that I am both Japanese and Filipino no matter which one I choose.”
Saso has been representing the Philippines since her standout jungolf days. Before becoming the first Filipino to win a golf major and placing ninth in the Tokyo Olympics, she won two gold medals for the country in the 2018 Asian Games.
For now, Saso continues to fly the Philippine flag in the $2-million Toto Classic, her first tournament back in the Japan LPGA after her breakthrough triumph in the US.
“I am full of gratitude for being able to play in Japan again,” said Saso, who is grouped with Hinako Shibuno and Momoko Ueda in the first two rounds at the Seta Golf Course’s North course.