KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Yuka Saso turned in another torrid round – a bogey-free six-under-par 65 – but still  slipped to solo second in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship in Rogers, Arkansas Saturday, Sept. 24 (Sunday in Manila).

That’s because Thai rookie Attaya Thitikul proved deadlier than the Fil-Japanese ace, firing an eagle-aided, bogey-free 61 for 128.

That gave her a one shot lead over Saso who shot a 64 in the opening day.

The Tokyo Olympian fired six birdies at the Pinnacle Country Club to continue her blistering start and bolster her hunt for a first title since winning the US Women’s Open in 2021.

Saso had her last top 10 finish last January.

Former amateur No. 1 Lilia Vu of the United States is at third with 130 after a second-round 65 that also saw her gun down an eagle 3 on No. 7 apart from four birdies at the back nine.

Bunched at fourth spot are Chella Choi (63), Danielle Kang (65), Hye-Jin Choi (65), Jennifer Kupcho (65), Muni He (66), Charlie Hull (66), Megan Kahng (68), Ryann O’Toole (68), and Jeongeun Lee (68).

Saso tees off in the third round at 8:54 a.m. with Thitikul and Vu.

Saso, who was among six players sharing the overnight lead, is hoping she can add a victory to what has been an otherwise average season.