Saso, Superal still fighting it out in Japan Tour Q-School

MANILA, Philippines — Yuka Saso and Princess Superal posted identical joint eighth finishes in separate sites to make the cut for the last phase of the gruelling LPGA of Japan Tour Q-School leading to precious cards in the lucrative circuit next year.

Saso pooled a 292 despite a second straight 73 at the Boso Country Club in Chiba last Thursday, easily making the 20-player final cut for the last phase of the four-stage elims at various courses.

Saso, who had to forego her stint in the SEA Games to pursue her pro bid in Japan after falling short in the US LPGA Tour last October, opened with a 74 then rebounded with a 72 to get back into contention before closing out with back-to-back even- par cards to safely make the grade in one of the three tournaments topped by Rie Tsuji, who pooled a 277 after a sizzling 68.

Superal also turned in a joint eighth-place finish at the Ise Country Club in Mie, also after a final round 73 for a similar 292 aggregate in her side of the elims ruled by Yuna Nishimura with a 281 after a 71.

This marks the second straight time that Superal reached the last stage although this time the former US Girls Junior Open champion vowed to dish out her best to snare the elusive card after coming up short last year and settling for the Step Up Tour.

The final stage is set Dec. 3-6 at the Kodama Golf Club in Honho with the Pinay aces bracing for not only a four-day duel with the other bidders for the top 20 slots but the cold condition at the Kodama Golf Club in Honjo.