Yuka Saso’s landmark US Open victory an inspiration to fellow Filipino athletes, says PSC

With 46 days left until the Tokyo Olympics and months before the 2021 SEA Games tilt, Filipino athletes got a major boost of inspiration in Yuka Saso.

The Filipino-Japanese teen golfer on Monday (Manila time) made history after dominating the 2021 US Women's Open, making herself the first-ever Filipino to win a major tournament in the sport.

And according to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Charles Maxey, Saso’s outstanding feat could serve as an inspiration for the athletes bound for the Tokyo Summer Games and Hanoi SEAG.

“We are all happy for Yuka Saso’s win in the US Women’s Open. This is a big development for us,” Maxey told Raffy Tima in an interview on Balitanghali Monday.

“This will be an inspirational victory, it will inspire others not only in the field of golf but also athletes from different sports because her win was a come-from-behind. She really never gave up.”

Saso is also in the running to make it to the Olympics.

Only the top 60 players by June 28 will get the chance to compete in the Tokyo Olympics and currently, the teen sensation is ranked no. 22 by the International Golf Federation, making her chances brighter than ever.

Another Filipina golfer in Bianca Pagdangan, meanwhile, could also make it to the quadrennial meet as she is presently ranked no. 41 in the world.

“Yuka is an inspiration especially to the athletes heading to the Olympics and Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi,” Maxey added.

Meanwhile, the official said the agency is continuous in supporting the athletes in their crucial preparation for the two major tournaments.

“We are constant in giving the athletes their allowances for their training. We are glad to see that athletes are working hard and we really believe in the capabilities of Filipino athletes because they’re really determined to win.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News