Yuka Saso sizzles with 4-under 68 to open AIG Women's Open campaign

Yuka Saso started her campaign at the 2021 AIG Women's Open on a high note after firing 4-under 68 in the first round staged at the Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland Thursday night (Manila time).

The Filipino-Japanese golfer will now have the share of second place where she is currently in four-way tie with Georgia Hall of England, home bet Louise Duncan of Scotland, and Andrea Lee of the United States.

Saso, who was coming off a 15th place finish in the Scottish Open, started hitting a par in the first hole but bogeyed the 4-par fifth hole. She then recovered with two birdies at the fifth and sixth holes.

The 20-year-old ace unleashed five consecutive pars before launching an eagle at the 5-par 12th hole to remain within the top 10 of the leaderboard.

Saso, the 2021 US Women's Open champion, birdied anew at the 14th and wrapped up her Day 1 bid hitting four pars for a total of 68 and just a stroke behind the three leaders.

Leading the pack are Sei Young Kim of South Korea, Nelly Korda of US, and Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden.

Saso will be teeing off for the second round set at 8:09 a.m. (3:09 p.m. in Manila).

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News