Saso vows to get better, stronger

MANILA, Philippines — After falling short of ending on top of the Player of the Year derby, Yuka Saso said she’s thankful to be given the chance to launch her pro career on the LPGA of Japan Tour, guaranteeing to get better, stronger in the next season and beyond.

“I’ve learned a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity (to play in the JLPGA),” said Saso after finishing tied for sixth in the circuit’s final tournament, the JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, for 2020 in Miyazaki Sunday.

She wound up second in the Players’ (Mercedes) rankings to Ayaka Furue but topped the money list although the Tour said it would stage more tournaments early next year that would be included in the 2020 calendar to make up for the cancellation of a number of events this year due to the global health crisis.

But pending the announcement, Furue emerged on top after 14 tournaments with 1,371.78 points and on the strength of a strong finish that saw the 20-year-old Japanese score two victories (Itoen Ladies and Daio Paper Elleair Open) and finish runner-up (JLPGA Ricoh Cup) in the last three events.