Filipina golfer Yuka Saso finishing ninth place in the recently concluded 2020 Olympic women’s golf event held in Saitama, Kasumigaseki Country Club.

“I was just glad that I was able to finish well,’ Saso told reporters.

Tokyo – USA’s Nelly Korda took home the gold medal after ending with a 17-under, but not without a scare from the impressive runs of Japan’s Inami Mone and New Zealand’s Lydia ko in the final day.

Inami and Korda went for the jugular in the final round with 6-under and both eventually ended in a share of second place with 16-under, forcing a playoff for the silver.

Inami ultimately pocketed the silver for the hosts after taking the par-4 No. 18 in the shoot-off, while Ko needed an extra hit to settle for the bronze.

Saso ended her Olympic debut on a rousing note, coming from behind from a share of 47th place then coasting into the last three rounds. The 20-year-old carded a 3-under, 4-under, and 6-under in the said rounds to end with a 10-under overall.

“Yung grass, kailangan ko masanay pa kaya nag-struggle ako dun. After the first round, nakuha ko yung feel. That helped me for today. Medyo yung hangin, mahirap tantsahin yung distance,” Saso remarked about the course.

“I’ve learned so much from the players that I played with. Overall, it was a good experience. It made me think that I need to practice more,” she said.

Bianca Pagdanganan took a huge leap in the opening round, but then struggled in the last three rounds especially in the final round. With the effort, she ended a 1-over 285 to end her own first Olympic appearance at t-43rd.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque hailed Carlo Paalam’s silver-medal feat in the men’s boxing flyweight competition of the Tokyo Olympics.

The 23-year-old Paalam’s road to the Olympics is the story of Filipinos – filled with perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work, Roque said in a statement.

“May Carlo’s performance further serve as an inspiration to young generation of Filipinos,” he added.

Roque Thanked all Filipino athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics for showcasing their world-class talent, representing the country, and uplifting the spirit of the people amid the pandemic.

“We thank you for giving the Philippines its best Olympic performance in history,” he said, referring to the 1-2-1 gold-silver-bronze haul.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar likewise praised Paalam, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, for bringing home another silver medal after yielding a 1-4 points decision to Great Britain’s Galal Yafai at the Kokugikan Arena in Sumida City.

“Isang karangalan sa bansa ang iyong nakamit na silver medal sa Olympics (Your silver medal at the Olympics is an honor for the country). As a fellow Kagay-anon, you’ve not only represented our country but our region (Northern Mindanao) as well! We’re all very proud of you and your excellent performance,” he said in a separate statement.

Andanar said the achievement of Paalam, a first-time Olympian, is a win for all Filipinos.

“Nawa’y patuloy kang maging inspirasyon sa mga Kagay-anon at sa mga atletang Pilipino sa magiting mong determinasyon at puso para sa ating bansa (May you become an inspiration to your fellow Kagay-anon and the Filipino athlete with your determination and heart for the country)! Mabuhay ka (Long live)!” he said.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won gold while two other boxers, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, snared silver and bronze, respectively. (wires)