Manassero, 16, delighted to receive Watson masterclass

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Sixteen-year-old Italian amateur Matteo Manassero was smiling from ear-to-ear after shooting a one-over-par 71 in the company of the great Tom Watson in the British Open first round on Thursday.

Five-times Open winner Watson rolled back the years to fire a five-under 65 and claim the early clubhouse lead at Turnberry.

"It was a great experience," British amateur champion Manassero told reporters after his round with Watson and Spain's Sergio Garcia (70).

"The course is really good and I played with two really great guys. Tom was unbelievable.

"I played pretty well. I was nervous but it was a positive nervous. It was adrenaline."

Watson, the oldest player in the field, said it was visibly noticeable how nervous was Mannasero, the youngest player in the lineup.

"His eyes today were a dead giveaway (as to) what it is like to be out here at an Open championship," said the 59-year-old American. "He was definitely in awe of the place."

Even though eight-times major winner Watson had only 28 putts, he said he would be happy to trade his touch on the green with the teenager.

"I wish I had his putting stroke ... (it) is so pure, those three footers just go ... bang in the middle of the hole."

Mannasero opened with six straight pars before dropping a shot at the par-five seventh although he quickly recovered with a birdie three at the next.

Another birdie followed at the par-four 10th but his round was slightly soured by bogey fives at 16 and 18.

Mannasero said: "When I was six, seven he (Garcia) was my idol. It was fantastic. I have them (to play with) tomorrow so it will be great again."

Manassero and Germany's Stephen Gross, who began his campaign at 1353 GMT, are going head-to-head to win the silver medal as leading amateur this week.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)