Manassero, Hutsby set for British Am final

FORMBY, England (June 19, 2009) --Tomorrow’s Amateur Championship final promises to provide a thrilling climax to a fantastic week as Italy’s Matteo Manassero meets England’s Sam Hutsby. The 16-year-old Italian, Manassero, is just one victory away from becoming the youngest ever winner of The Amateur Championship. This afternoon, he recorded another convincing 4&3 victory over England’s Darren Renwick to progress into tomorrow’s 36-hole decider. “I feel great, I can’t believe it. It’s a dream for me,” The young Italian bears more than a passing resemblance to one of his childhood heros, Seve Ballesteros, who he met and chipped with at the 1997 Italian Open, when he was just four years old. “Yes Severiano, he is one of my biggest influences, for sure. He played the game so well, so exciting." Manassero now has the chance to become the first Italian to win The Amateur, but he also is one win away from a place in this July’s Open Championship at Turnberry, and next April’s Masters Tournament. “Maybe it’s better if I don’t think about it!” said the +4.2 handicapper from Verona. Having finished four shots clear at the top of the stroke play leaderboard, Manassero has only been behind in the match play once this week. He was two holes down after six against good friend and compatriot, Joon Kim, before winning five in a row to reach the 12th three up, winning that one 5&3. Hustsby, meanwhile, progressed through an altogether different semi-final, finally defeating fellow Englishman, Stiggy Hodgson, at the third extra hole. In what was arguably the tie of the Championship so far, the pair was deadlocked with both Hutsby, 20, and Hodgson, 18, never more than one hole in front. Both missed makeable putts at 18 to win the match, but on the 21st, however, Hodgson’s drive found trouble and he was forced to chip out side-ways. Current world number 13 [Royal and Ancient Rankings; No. 3 in the Golfweek/amateurgolf.com Player Rankings], Hutsby took advantage to win the hole with a birdie four and with it a place in the final, which the former Spanish Amateur champion will approach with confidence. “I feel I might have the edge on him with my experience,” said the Liphook golfer who has a Formby member, Mark Jost, caddying for him this week, “but he’s obviously a talented young player and I’m sure he’ll be up for the challenge.” Tomorrow’s 36-hole final will commence at 8.30am with the second round due to tee-off at 1.00pm.