• BMW Italian Open, Round One

Manassero makes solid start to life as a pro

ESPN staff
May 6, 2010
Matteo Manassero defied the conditions which delayed play to post a good first round in professional golf © Getty Images
Enlarge

Matteo Manassero made a solid start to life in the professional ranks, while Colin Montgomerie had a tough day at the BMW Italian Open.

Manassero is one of the rising stars of golf and turned pro in the week before his home tournament. There was huge expectation and he handled the pressure superbly, as he rolled in a couple of excellent putts on his way to a round of 70.

Manassero was paired with European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie and the youngster put the Scot in the shade. Montgomerie was wayward off the tee and it cost him dear as he posted a four-over 76.

England is well represented at the top of the leaderboard, with Graeme Storm and Robert Rock firmly in contention on five-under, one shot ahead of David Horsey, David Drysdale and Stephen Dodd.

1999 Open winner Paul Lawrie and recent Ballantine's Championship winner Marcus Fraser join the English pair on the same total at the top. Lawrie had been out ahead on six-under but a bogey on the 17th brought him back into the pack.

Oliver Fisher enjoyed a fine day as he shot a three-under-par round of 69. Miguel Angel Jiminez shot the same score but will feel he left shots on the course after playing some superb approach shots.

Thomas Bjorn carded a two-under-par 70, but it could have been better for the Dane too as he let chances slip on the closing holes.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices