Golfer Yuka Saso set to become Japanese citizen

rappler.com -- Nov 04

The Philippines is bound to lose another sporting gem as golfer Yuka Saso is set to become a Japanese citizen in less than two years.

Under Japanese law, dual citizens like the 20-year-old Saso have to select their nationality at the age of 22.

"It is true that I chose the Japanese citizenship," Saso said during a press conference a day before she sees action in the Toto Japan Classic in Shiga on Thursday, November 4, Kyodo News reported.

"I thought about it and I will eventually choose it."

Saso, who is born to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father, has donned the national colors since she was an amateur.

The talented Saso rose to popularity when she won gold medals in the women's individual and team events in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

After turning pro in 2019, Saso climbed through the ranks, capturing two LPGA of Japan Tour titles and becoming the first Filipina to rule the US Women's Open earlier this year.

Saso then represented the country as the youngest delegate in the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished ninth.