Manassero takes clubhouse lead

Seventeen-year-old Matteo Manassero, one of the stars of last year’s Open, made a brilliant start today to his bid to be part of the action at St Andrews next month.

The young Italian star, now a month into his professional career, scored a six-under-par 64 on the Old Course at Sunningdale as he joined 95 others – Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie included – competing over 36 holes for 10 places at the Home of Golf.