Matteo Manassero took a break from his practice when news came that the fourth round of the WGC-HSBC Champions would be delayed to the tune of one hour and 15 minutes.The 17-year-old Italian was desperate for the mist to clear: he wanted to get started on a last round which would wipe out the memory of his third-round 81.
As much as that, he was thinking about the tournament leader, Francesco Molinari.
"I feel positive about his chances," said Manassero of his compatriot. "Francesco's been playing really well. He's just got to keep doing what he's been doing. Mind you, he has the toughest competitor he could have on his heels in Lee Westwood, the World No.1."
Manassero said that the biggest change in Francesco's game since the Ryder Cup lay in his putting. "The great thing about Francesco," he continued, "is that he doesn't panic when things are not going so well. He's been working hard on his putting and he's got his stroke back. If it stays like it's been all week, he could be hard to beat."
In spite of the 81 which followed his opening rounds of 71 and 70, Manassero said that he has revelled in playing in his first World Golf Championship. "It's been a great experience for me. I may have played badly yesterday but my whole season as a professional has matched up to my dreams."
This is the first time the teenage trio of Ryo Ishikawa, Seung-yul Noh and Manassero have competed in the same tournament. In spite of the language barriers, Manassero said they had had got together at the start of the week talked a bit about life on their different tours. "They seem to be enjoying what they're doing as much as I am," said Manassero. "It's obvious, because they're doing so well. They are nice guys and great players."
Going into the fourth round, the 19-year-old Noh is leading the way among the teenagers on -6, with Ishikawa -2 and Manassero on +6.
When Manassero gets home after the Race to Dubai, he has to worry about another set of scores - namely, exam results. He will have private tuition to catch up with lessons missed over the last term and sit his regular high school exams.
For the moment, he is still determined to go on to qualify for his school leaving certificate in the summer of 2012.
After eight holes Francesco Molinari still leads Lee Westwood by two strokes.
