Yuka Saso produced a 3-under 69, staying within striking distance in her first LPGA Tour of Japan majors tournament, Saturday afternoon at the JFE Setonaikai Golf Course in Okayama.
After shaky performances in the first two rounds, which saw bogeys from the 19-year-old, the reigning Asian Games champion displayed mastery of the course this time.
Saso, nonetheless, could only muster a 1-under 35 at the back nine. She ended the round with two birdies for a 2-under 34 for the final score after 18 holes.
The tour rookie bounced back from a rough performance in the previous round, which saw many other golfers struggle.
Saso, despite her 2-under 70 in the second round, was in a tie for third heading to today’s match. The Filipina closed both ends of the course with bogeys.
The two-time champion from NEC and Nitori tournaments this season remains in joint fourth, just two strokes behind Japan’s Yuna Hishimura, who is at 11-under 205.
Saso looks to finish strong to take her third title and her first major trophy as the tournament takes its final round on Sunday.
