Saso starts wearing Japanese colors

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Japanese ace Yuka Saso will start carrying the Japanese flag when she sees action in the LPGA’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions this week in Orlando, Florida.

Saso, who is set to become a purely Japanese citizen in two years, has apparently dropped the Philippine colors for the coming tour as her name is now accompanied by the Japanese flag in the tournament’s entry list. Her player profile in the LPGA’s website also bears the Japanese flag.

The 20-year-old Saso, who is the reigning US Open champion, had competed under the Philippine banner for most of her illustrious amateur and pro career.

Last year, Saso became the youngest US Open champion and the first golfer from the Philippines to rule a major. She also suited up as one of three Philippine competitors in the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished joint ninth.