Yuka Saso, the Filipina who made history last year by winning the elusive individual and team gold medals in women’s golf in the Asian Games, will not be playing in this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Saso, 18, will be participating in the Japan LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) qualifying tournament on the same dates as the SEA Games, as the Filipina-Japanese player shifts her sights to moving up to the pro ranks.

“Yes, she will not be part of the team,” confirmed Miko Alejandro, the national team coach tapped by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) in pursuit of four (4) gold medals in the men and women’s competitions at stake next week.

The NGAP is the sport's national governing body.

Missing Saso is a big blow to the country’s bid to continue the Philippines’ winning tradition, as she is currently the top-ranked amateur female golfer. To fill the void, the NGAP immediately scouted for a replacement and found an equally talented parbuster in Abby Arevalo.

Arevalo, a multi-titled product of San Jose State University in the United Sates, with three career wins as a Spartan, will join Asian Games winning members Bianca Pagdanganan and Louise Kaye Go in the SEA Games.

“Abby played great in her senior year with multiple wins which is not a small feat, plus a (Women's Amateur Asia Pacific) event in Japan where she beat Saso and Pagdanganan. So I am very confident with her coming into the team,” Alejandro also said.

The SEA Games golf tournament will be at the Luisita Golf Club in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac from Dec. 4 to 8.

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