Saso in striking distance

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso fired a one-under 69 on moving day to stay in the hunt for the 2024 US Women’s Open crown in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Saso, who reigned supreme while representing the Philippines in 2021, submitted nines of 33 and 36 to bring her tally to 208, just three strokes off the pace going to the final 18 holes at the Lancaster Golf Club.

The 22-year-old Saso birdied Nos. 1 and 9 in a hot start but somehow slowed down at the back, where she mixed two birdies with three bogeys.

With her two-under card after 54 holes, Saso is in solo fifth and within striking distance of the trio of Australian Minjee Lee (66), American Andrea Lee (67) and Thai Wichanee Meechai (69), who share the top spot at five-under 205.

The pacesetters are two up on Japanese Hinako Shibuno, who totes a 207 after a 66 ahead of the ICTSI bet.

Saso, who held pole position in the first 18 holes with a hot 68 but slipped with a 71 in the second, will make the final push Sunday in an afternoon flight with sixth-running Japanese Sakurai Kowai at No. 1.