Manassero boosts hope of US Open entry

Italian teen Matteo Manassero boosted his hopes of making the US Open on Friday by moving into contention with a 2-under 70 after the second round at the 100th Spanish Open.

Manassero finished at 4 under overall, one stroke behind leader Gregory Bourdy (66) in windy conditions.

The 19-year-old Manassero shared second place with Jorge Campillo (72) of Spain and the England duo of Robert Rock (72) and Simon Dyson (69).

Former US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel, the first-round leader, bogeyed his last three holes to shoot 77 and slip to even par overall.

Manassero, ranked 64th, needs to be inside the top 60 by May 21 to ensure a place at the U.S. Open, which starts June 14 in San Francisco.