Golfers Saso and Pagdanganan Added to PH Olympic Delegation

The roster of athletes participating in the coming Tokyo Olympics has just been expanded with the addition of Filipina golfers Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan.

They will be the 16th and 17th delegates for the Philippines who will be going to Tokyo. The country has, likewise, easily exceeded its previous delegation to the 2016 Rio Olympics which only featured 13 athletes.

Both golfers are well within the International Golf Federation’s (IGF) top 60 with Saso at 9th and Pagdanganan at the 42nd. Saso steadily moved up the ranks, particularly after she bagged the U.S. Women’s Open earlier in June. Meanwhile, Pagdanganan has been diligently honing her skill in various events.

“We’re all just really proud and happy because at any time that we Filipinos have an Olympian, it’s a proud moment for all of us,” said Bones Floro, Secretary-General of the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP).

In case either of the two is unable to participate, Dottie Ardina will be there to fill in. During the recent U.S. Women’s PGA Championship, Ardina finished in a tie for the 12th spot. In the same competition, Saso tied for the 21st.

“The advantage [in Japan] to us Filipinos will be the weather. Summer in Tokyo is like the Philippines. It’s hot and humid as well,” explained Floro hoping that this will play in favor of the Filipino athletes.

Saso and Pagdanganan join gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and skateboarder Margielyn Didal among the extensive list of the Philippines’ Olympic bets.

Source: ESPN