Golf-Italy's Manassero becomes youngest British amateur champion

LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - Italian teenager Matteo Manassero became the youngest player to land the British amateur title after a 4&3 win over Sam Hutsby in Formby on Saturday.

The 16-year-old, who finished 19th at last month's Italian Open, sealed victory over Briton Hutsby with a three-foot putt on the 33rd hole.

"I never imagined I could win this tournament," Manassero told reporters after becoming the first Italian to claim the prestigious title.

"I'm shocked. To be the first Italian, wow, that is something very special. I think everyone in Italy knows about it already and I hope it helps with amateur golf there."

Manassero has earned an automatic place at next month's British Open at Turnberry in Scotland, as well as in next year's U.S. Masters.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Farmingdale, New York, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)