Teen sensation Matteo Manassero has spoken of his excitement at making his debut in this week’s WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Manassero, already a European Tour champion despite his tender years, will becoming the youngest player in the history of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship when he takes on Steve Stricker in his first round match at Ritz-Carlton GC in Dove Mountain, Arizona.
The 17 year old Italian is expecting a tough encounter, but will not be overawed by his American opponent.
He said: “He’s won this tournament before, and is a fantastic player. He has been Number Two in the world, if I’m not wrong, and has done a lot in this game. So it’s going to be a very tough match. I will try to do my best, and we’ll see what happens.
“It’s great to be here, to be in the top 64 players in the world. Everything’s happened so fast, but it’s something I’m now getting used to. I had a fantastic season on The European Tour last year and won which I never expected it. But I’m now really focusing on this year. Every single moment you have to step forward and try to improve, and my next goal is to get into the top 50 in the world.”
Manassero paid tribute to the helping hand he has received from the Molinari brothers, who in many ways have paved the way for the success he is now enjoying.
All three are teeing up this week – Francesco Molinari committed on Thursday after the birth of his first child, Tommasi – to mark the first time three Italians have competed in the same WGC event.
Manassero said: “They have helped me a lot, and are both good friends of mine. They helped me settle into this life, which wasn’t easy at the beginning. They have been there and done it, and done it very well. We often practice together, and they give me help and advice, because they have been playing on Tour for five or six years now. So I owe them a lot.”
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