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CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland: Teenager Matteo Manassero gave the profile of Italian golf another significant boost on Thursday when he seized the clubhouse lead at the European Masters.
Just days after Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari celebrated their historic places in the Ryder Cup team, the 17-year-old Manassero shot a first round seven under par 64.
That gave him a two-shot lead over England's Steve Webster and Robert Coles and Thailand's Chapchai Nirat at the Asian Tour co-sanctioned event.
Manassero said he was inspired by the Molinari's efforts, especially Edoardo who made sure of his Ryder Cup place by winning the Johnnie Walker Championship at Glenegales on Sunday.
"What Edoardo did was pretty unbelievable," said Manassero. "You don't see that very often to win a championship and then to be picked for The Ryder Cup with his brother was something to inspire everybody, not just me.
"He seems very relaxed now and calm and I expect him to play good this week. He is in the best moment of his life, just won a championship, made The Ryder Cup Team; it's been a fantastic year for him."
Three shots off the pace were Darren Clarke and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
- AFP/de
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