Yuka Saso set to choose Japanese citizenship

Golfer Yuka Saso is going to be a Japanese citizen when the time comes she has to make a choice. — REUTERS

Golfer Yuka Saso is going to be a Japanese citizen when the time comes she has to make a choice.

The 20-year-old Filipino-Japanese made the disclosure to a Japanese news portal on Wednesday, on the eve of the Toto Japan Classic where she is set to compete.

“I chose Japan because of its nationality law,” said Ms. Saso, who was born in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, to a Filipino mother and Japanese father.

Under Japanese law, citizens who hold dual passports must decide by the age of 22 which citizenship to take up.

Ms. Saso, who is currently the world number six player, turns 22 on June 20, 2023.

The golfer previously made it known that choosing between the Philippines and Japan would not be an easy decision to make but that regardless she is proud of her roots on both sides.

“I have in my heart that I am both Japanese and Filipino no matter which one I choose,” she said.

Ms. Saso has represented the Philippines in many international competitions since her junior playing days.

She was one of the country’s representatives in the sport in this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games, where she finished tied for ninth.

While the decision is yet to be made final, Ms. Saso will continue to represent the Philippines in various tournaments, including the Toto Japan Classic.

The $2-million tournament marks the return of Ms. Saso after being out of action for three weeks.

She last played in early October at the Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey where she finished joint fourth place.

It will kick off what is a busy November for her on the LPGA Tour, where she will also compete at the Pelican Women’s Championship on Nov. 11-14 and the CME Group Tour Championship on Nov. 18-21, both happening in Florida.

In the Toto Classic, which will run from Nov. 4 to 7, Ms. Saso will tee off with Japanese Hinako Shibuno and veteran Momoko Ueda in the first two rounds at the Seta Golf’s North course. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo