It was a hard-pressed weekend for the reigning LPGA of Japan leader Yuka Saso.
Barely a week from ending the Toto Classic strong with a runner-up finish, the two-time champion missed the ticket to the final round of the 2020 Itoen Ladies Golf Tournament, Saturday morning at the Great Island Course in Chiba, Japan.
Despite a better showing in the day’s go-around of 2-under 70, Saso’s aggregate of 2-over 246 placed her at tied 67th and put her out for the final round the following day.
This was only the second time she missed the cut after the Mitsubishi Electric/Hisako Higuchi Ladies Golf Tournament, but both exits happened in a span of three weeks.
The 19-year-old started well in the front nine, taking on four holes on birdies and needing an extra shot on two, for a 2-under 34. Nonetheless, she could not turn it around in the punishing backside where she just managed an even 36.
Saso, nonetheless, has two more chances to end the season on top of both player’s rankings and money board, with the 39th DAIO PAPER Elleair Ladies Open starting on Thursday, November 19.
