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Enlarge Photo Matteo Manassero of Italy hits his tee shot on the seventh hole during second round... Slideshow: World in pics: April 9 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 U.S. 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 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 told Reuters 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."
Italian national team coach Alberto Binaghi, who caddied for his pupil, said he thought Manassero was ready.
"The way he plays with his head, that makes me think there's no problem," Binaghi said as he leaned against the bag behind the last hole. "His head is better than a 30-year-old player for me."
(Reporting by Larry Fine, Editing by Ian Ransom; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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