Saso explodes with 63, jumps to joint 5th

MANILA, Philippines – Yuka Saso finally unleashed the performance expected of her on a soft course in near ideal conditions, coming away with a blistering 63 and vaulting into contention at the halfway mark of the Ford Championship now paced by clubhouse Hannah Green in Gilbert, Arizona Friday (Saturday Manila time).

Leap-frogging from a tie for 75th, Saso’s solid nine-under par card at the Seville Golf and Country Club course catapulted her to joint fifth at 133, now only three strokes behind Green, who set a new course record 61 for a two-day total of 130 with a number of players still to complete second round play at presstime.

Saso’s exceptional round showcased her formidable skills missing in her past campaigns, making her a strong contender with two rounds left in the $2.25 million event, which has turned into a display of the elite field’s shotmaking, iron precision and putting prowess.

Despite the favorable conditions leading to low scores across the leaderboard for the second straight day, Bianca Pagdanganan appeared not as fortunate. Even though she found her rhythm and touch with a bogey-free 66, she still found herself a stroke below the projected cutoff line with a 140 aggregate.

But ICTSI teammate Saso ensured her presence felt in the competition. After an initial round of 70, the 2021 US Women’s Open champion ignited her game with eight bridies, including two streaks of four consecutive feats from Nos. 11 and 2 for a remarkable 31-32 round.

She tied Lydia Ko, Caroline Masson and first round lader Pajaree Anannarukarn at fifth. Ko shot a 64, Masson carded a 65 while Anannarukarn slowed with a 70 after a scorching 63.

Saso’s precision was on full display all day, hitting all fairways and requiring only 25 putts. She missed three greens but saved pars from the bunkers twice.

Yet, it was Green who stole the spotlight. The recent Women’s World Championship winner in Singapore dazzled with 11 birdies, including a six-birdie spree to close out her round, propelling her to the top of the leaderboard.

Sarah Schmeizel and Peiyun Chien, however, kept her within sight at 131 after 63 and 65, respectively, while Hyo Joo Kim took solo fourth spot with a 132