Nation hails historic victory
Ranking sports executives cheered for Yuka Saso following her historic win in the 76th US Women’s Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco Monday.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Olympic chief of mission Mariano “Nonong” Araneta were jubilant, saying that Saso’s win is a major boost to the country’s quest for its first gold medal in the Olympics.
In a statement, Go expressed his gratitude to the 19-year-old Saso, who tied Inbee Park as the youngest US Women’s Open champion, for inspiring the Filipinos in these challenging times.
“At the young age of 19, she brings hope and inspiration to many of our young countrymen and women,” Go, the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, said.
“I hope that Yuka and other Filipino athletes will make us proud in the Tokyo Olympics and the Southeast Asian Games for our country.”
“Let us help our athletes by giving them all the support they need. Let us protect them, not only during competitions, but also while preparing for major tournament abroad.”
Tolentino said Saso’s triumph only proved that she is ready to capture the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
“Her victory in the 76th US Women’s Open solidifies her position in ladies’ golf and sends the strongest message that the young Filipina is ready for gold in the Tokyo Olympics. Yuka just became the second teenager to win the US Women’s Open and she is definitely ready to also become a gold medalist in the Olympics,” Tolentino said.
“I am proud, the entire Philippines as well, of Yuka Saso for showcasing the Filipino talent in sports in one of the biggest tournaments in the world.”
Araneta agrees, saying that Saso’s determination and compsure would be her assets in the Summer Games.
At the young age of 19, she brings hope and inspiration to many of our young countrymen and women.
“This will help her a lot because playing in any major tournament, there is always pressure. You can see the pressure during her first two or three holes but, nevertheless, she overcame her pressure and this will give her the confidence she needs going to Japan,” Araneta said, adding that Saso has a good chance of qualifying in the Summer Games for being at No. 22 in the Olympic ranking.
“She has shown that despite the disadvantage, she was there holding until it was her opportunity to grab the championship.”
Saso’s main sponsor, the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), and the National Golf Association of the Philippines also congratulated her for becoming the first
Filipino to win the
US Women’s Open.
“Her ICTSI family thanks Yuka for the pride and joy she gives the country,” the ICTSI said.
“We likewise commend her for her hard work, perseverance and dedication to training, and most especially for remaining humble despite her recent successes. She is and will continue to be a role model for the golfing community.”