Manassero, 16, caps remarkable show with closing 69

By Tony Jimenez

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Sixteen-year-old amateur Matteo Manassero capped an extraordinary week by shooting a one-under-par 69 in the British Open final round on Sunday.

"The last few weeks I've been playing good so I'm very happy about this experience," the Italian teenager told reporters after finishing with a brilliant two-over-par total of 282.

"Today was a good round and I got to win the silver medal (for leading amateur). Special for me, it's very good, a great achievement."

Manassero, the youngest Open competitor in the modern era, secured his place in the third major of the year by winning the British amateur title last month.

His 4&3 final victory over Briton Sam Hutsby at Formby, England meant he became the youngest winner in the 124-year-old championship.

Manassero was as proud as punch of his all-round game at Turnberry but less pleased with his putting.

"From tee to green I played really straight," he said. "Not the putter (though), absolutely not the putter.

"Today I holed a few putts but from tee to green was the best part."