FILIPINO-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso finished with a two-under 69 in the third round of the ShopRite Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Classic in New Jersey on Monday (Manila time) to wind up at joint 19th place in the tournament.
Twenty-year-old Ms. Saso, the reigning US Women’s Open champion, had a three-round total of seven-under 206, tied with seven other players, landing inside the top 20.
Celine Boutier of France emerged as the winner in the tournament held at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club-Bay Course in Galloway with a total of 14-under 199.
Ms. Saso, who represented the Philippines in this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, opened her campaign with a 67 and 70 in the first two rounds to stay in contention.
She tried to make her way up in the final round with an eagle on the third and two birdies (eighth and 14th), but just could not progress deeper as hoped.
For her efforts, she bagged $18,615, or around P930,750.
Another Philippine bet, Bianca Pagdanganan, meanwhile, carded a three-under 68 in the final round to finish with a three-round total of six-under 207, good for joint 27th place.
Another Filipino, Dottie Ardina, finished with an aggregate 209 to end up at 44th place with five other players. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo