Japan’s Yuka Saso overturns three-shot deficit to win her second US Open title

Japan’s Yuka Saso overcame an early four-putt to overturn a three-shot deficit and win her second US Open title on a dramatic final day at Lancaster Country Club.

Minjee Lee, Wichanee Meechai and Andrea Lee shared the lead heading into the final round and Saso’s chances of catching them took a massive blow when she followed a birdie on the second by four-putting the sixth for a double bogey.

However, Saso steadied the ship with five straight pars before making birdies on the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th to effectively seal victory.

A closing 68 gave the 22-year-old a winning total of four under par, three shots clear of compatriot Hinako Shibuno.

They were the only two players to finish under par as Andrea Lee struggled to a closing 75 to share third place with fellow American Ally Ewing on level par, Ewing surging through the field with a 66.

“It feels great,” Saso said. “Winning in 2021 I represented the Philippines. I feel like I was able to give back to my mom. This year I was able to represent Japan, and I think I was able to give back to my dad. I’m very happy that I was able to do it.

“It’s just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way.

“Since 2021 I haven’t won. I think it just makes it special after a long wait and I wasn’t expecting to win the US Women’s Open, the same as last time.

“I think I really wanted it, as well. Not just to get a second win but also to prove something to myself. I haven’t won in two and a half or three years. I definitely had a little doubt if I can win again or if I won’t win again.

“But I was able to prove a little bit something to myself.”