Yuka Saso launches drive for AsPac crown

MANILA, Philippines — While her recent stints would show otherwise, Yuka Saso has opted to downplay her top form but vowed to do better just the same as she vies in the second Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship beginning today at the Royal Golf Club in Hokota, Japan.

Saso, who lost in a four-player playoff in last year’s inaugural staging of the event, drew a 10 a.m. flight on No. 10 with South Korean Kwon Seo-yun and Aussie Doey Choi, confident but wary of her chances given the depth of the competing field.

Defending champion Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand banners the elite cast fighting not only for the coveted crown but also for berths in two of the five women’s majors and an invite to the 2020 Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“I don’t think my game is the best right now, but I’m happy with how I’m playing. I just want to keep working hard and I just want to keep getting better,” said Saso, 17, who has committed to play for University of Georgia later this year and spearhead the country’s bid in the SEA Games.