Unlucky 13 for rising star Manassero
It was a case of 'unlucky 13' for the Italian teenage sensation Matteo Manassero, who threatened to snatch the lead at the $2 million UBS Hong Kong Open on Sunday before finishing tied fourth.
The 19-year-old prodigy, who was victorious at the Barclays Singapore Open a week earlier, roared into contention at Fanling with a sparkling front nine and at one stage was just a shot off the eventual winner Miguel Angel Jimenez.
But just when it looked like he might be set for back-to-back titles, his assault faltered.
"I gave myself a chance with a big putt on 11, that was really good," said the teenager, who was chasing his fourth European Tour victory in 71 events.
"But from then on I had a little bad luck on 13. I could have ended up in a perfect spot but it just sneaked into the bunker, which gave me a very difficult shot.
"The putter went a little cold towards the end of the back nine and that was it. But I have to say I could easily have shot five or six-under today."
Manassero closed with a two-under-par 68 for a total 11-under-par 269, four shots off Jimenez.
