Minjee Lee has endured a dramatic collapse to allow Japanese star Yuko Saso to claim US Women’s Open glory in Pennsylvania.

After starting the final round in a three-way share of the lead, then surging three shots clear, Lee closed with a shocking eight-over 78 as Saso (68) produced a late birdie blitz to romp to a three-stroke triumph at Lancaster Country Club.

Saso finished with a four-under-par total of 276, with compatriot Hinako Shibuno (72) runner-up and completing the first-ever Japanese quinella at a major — men’s or women’s.

Americans Andrea Lee (75) and Ally Ewing (66) shared third at even par for the championship.

After taking a two-shot lead into the back nine, Lee eventually wound up in a tie for ninth at three over.

The 27-year-old’s hopes of joining Australian golf royalty with a third career major championship essentially perished in a crushing 15-minute stretch mid round.

Even after racking up a third bogey of the day on the ninth, Lee headed to the back nine two shots in front.

But a sloppy three-putt bogey on the 10th precipitated a shocking meltdown.

Lee dunked her tee shot into the water en route to a double-bogey five on the devilish par-3 12th that brought world No.1 Nelly Korda unstuck on Thursday.

With Saso, playing in the penultimate group behind Lee, posting birdies on 12 and 13, the tournament suddenly turned on a five-shot swing.

From two behind, where she started on Sunday, Saso was three in front of Lee and the rest of the chasing pack.

Another double-bogey from Lee on number 14 ended all hope of the West Australian joining the great Karrie Webb as a dual US Open champion.