TOKYO — Commuters at Tokyo's Shimbashi Station were greeted with a special edition of the Yomiuri newspaper.

The big news was on Sunday: Yuka Saso won the US Women's Open for the second time. Japanese papers still print special editions to mark such moments.

She won in 2021, playing under the flag of the Philippines, the land of her birth.

This time she won flying the flag of Japan, the birthplace of her father.

"Winning in 2021, I represented the Philippines. I feel like I was able to give back to my mom," Saso said.

"This year I was able to represent Japan, and I think I was able to give back to my dad. I'm very happy that I was able to do it.

"It's just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way."

The 22-year-old Saso shot a 2-under 68 on Sunday — early Monday Japanese time — to win by three shots at the Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Saso, who had two titles in the Japan LPGA before coming to America, joined Se Ri Pak and In Gee Chun as the only players to make their first two LPGA victories in major championships.

This also was her first win since Olympic Club, a victory so surprising she said she wasn't ready for the spotlight.

She handled everything Lancaster and the Women's Open threw her way.

"I really wanted it, as well — not just to get a second win but also to prove something to myself," Saso said. "I haven't won in three years. I definitely had a little doubt if I can win again or if I won't win again. But yeah, I think those experiences helped a lot, and I think I was able to prove a little bit something to myself."

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