"Today is a great day in Philippine sports."
This was how Malacañang described the victory of Filipino-Japanese teenager Yuka Saso in the US Women's Open on Monday (Philippine time), becoming the youngest champion at the tournament at the age of 19.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement Saso beat Nasa Hataoka in a three-hole playoff.
In a statement, Roque congratulated the female golfer for her victory and greeted her for bringing honor to the country.
"The Palace greets Yuka Saso for bringing honor to PH by winning the 2021 US Women's Open," he said.
"She is indeed the pride and glory of our country. We are all proud of you. Congratulations," he added.
President Duterte previously met Saso in Malacañang when she was awarded a Presidential citation after winning the gold medal in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018.
A Palace photo released on September 12, 2018, showed President Duterte taking his time to look at Saso's gold medal in a ceremony in Malacañang.
A report from the Agence France-Presse said Saso shook off two early double bogeys, coming back with late birdies at 16 and 17 in a two-over 73 to thrust herself into a playoff with a four-under total of 280 for 72 holes.
Saso is currently at No. 22 in the world Olympic rankings and could improve following this victory.