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April 11, 2010

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Home » Sports » Golf

Manassero makes cut, sets record

PRECOCIOUS British amateur champion Matteo Manassero claimed another record on Friday when the 16-year-old Italian became the youngest player to make a cut at the US Masters.

Manassero, already the youngest player to enter the Masters field and the youngest to win the British amateur, added a 76 in difficult conditions at Augusta National to his first round one-under 71 to qualify for weekend play right on the cut line of three-over par.

"Fantastic," his father Roberto said behind the 18th green. "For Matteo, it's incredible."

The soft-spoken Italian teenager is nearly two years younger than South African Bobby Cole when he made the cut just shy of his 18th birthday in 1967.

Manassero, who played with tournament co-leader Lee Westwood of Britain and 2003 champion Mike Weir of Canada, has much higher expectations for the future.

"I'm dreaming about being the Masters champion," he told reporters. "At what age, I don't mind, actually."

Manassero, who donned a red Masters 2010 cap such as those available in the merchandise stands, tied for 13th at last year's British Open and has plans to turn professional soon.

"I'm turning pro in the first week of May, at the Italian Open," he said. "Then I'm playing some events on the European Tour.

"I'm trying to get my (European Tour) card. If that doesn't happen, I will try with some of the Challenge Tour, and if not, will try the Q School at the end of the year."



 

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