Blazing finish nets Saso 2nd US Women's Open crown, P140M

MANILA, Philippines – Yuka Saso captured women’s golf biggest prize for the second time in four years, winning the US Women’s Open by three strokes over Hinako Shibuno with a 68 in Pennsylvania Sunday (Monday Manila time), capping it with a brilliant stretch-run charge that underscored her resilience and determination — traits that define major champions.

Her victory earned her a whopping $2.4 million (worth approximately P140 million).

A record crowd at the Lancaster Country Club witnessed Saso’s spectacular display of skill and composure. Despite an ego-deflating four-putt miscue on the par-3 No. 6, which left her four strokes off Minjee Lee, Saso rallied with a stunning four-birdie streak over five holes starting at No. 12.

Yuka Saso wins her second USWO at just 22 years old! pic.twitter.com/4XdVEsZ9Hw

TWICE AS NICE! ????????

Yuka Saso has won the U.S. Women's Open for the second time!#USWomensOpen | @Ally pic.twitter.com/TIIMUIvhfd

The decisive surge propelled her to a three-shot lead over Andrea Lee as Minjee Lee faltered with multiple bogeys, finishing with a disappointing 78.

Even a three-putt miscue on the 17th hole couldn’t derail Saso’s march to victory as her rivals struggled to keep pace, settling for lesser finishes in the $12-million championship.

Saso finished with a four-under 276 at the challenging course that troubled many of the world’s best players, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who missed the cut.

Saso’s final three-stroke triumph over Shibuno, who carded a 72 for a 279, was a testament to her dominance.

Saso’s victory was sealed with a solid chip shot on the 72nd hole, leading to a tap-in par. Her subdued celebration two flights ahead of the final twosome reflected the confidence and control she exhibited throughout the final round.

Ally Ewing rallied with a 66 to tie Andrea Lee, who closed out with a 75, at 280.

Minjee Lee wound up tied for ninth at 283 after that forgettable eight-over finish.

Fighting back tears, Saso thanked her family after receiving the Mickey Wright gold medal and the US Women’s Open trophy.

“I wouldn’t be here without their support,” said the ICTSI-backed Saso, who pocketed $1 million in her 2021 feat.

Saso’s