Junior Ryder Cup's Paratore claims Youth Olympics Gold

European Junior Ryder Cup Team member Renato Paratore came from three strokes back on the final day to win Gold in the Men’s Individual Stroke Play Golf Competition at the Youth Olympic Games.

His 66 in the third round saw the young Italian finish two strokes clear of his nearest competitor, Marcus Kinhult, who will also represent Europe in the biennial matches to be played against the US from September 22-23 at Blairgowrie Golf Club in Scotland.

Paratore, ranked fifth in the Amateur World Golf Ranking, birdied his final two holes in Nanjing to overturn a one stroke deficit and tee up a nervous wait as his nearest competitor came down the final hole.

However Kinhult was unable to match the leading Italian’s 11 under par total, eventually finishing two adrift in the Silver medal position after a final round of 69.

“I played really good on the long game and putted well today,” said Paratore, who considers compatriot Matteo Manassero a close friend. “I knew I was one off the lead when I was playing 17, so I knew I had to make two birdies to win. I was really pleased to make the birdies, one from ten metres and one from six.

“I was nervous watching Marcus playing the last hole but it is really nice to win the Gold Medal. My father is here and he is really excited for me. I can't believe it. I’m very happy.”

As for Kinhult, who is also ranked just one place below Paratore on the amateur Rankings, he was pleased with his second place showing having entered the third and final day in Bronze medal position.

“It feels good, of course I wanted to win, but Renato was better. He deserves it,” said the Swedish youngster. “I saw the leaderboards on the 10th tee and I thought I had to play the back nine in two under par to have a chance, but I didn't quite manage it. I knew I had to make the final putt to force a play-off but I hit a bad putt.

“I have really enjoyed the Youth Olympics on and off the course, especially being in the village. That's definitely cool, and being a part of the history, that's cool too.”

Thailand’s Danthai Boonma had entered the final day atop the leaderboard, but a closing 73 saw him fall into third as his European counterparts excelled on the final day.

In the Women’s Individual Stroke Play Golf Competition, fellow Junior Ryder Cup star Elena Carta finished one position outside the medals. The Italian shared fourth spot with Germany’s Olivia Cowen, while another golfer set to tee it up at Blairgowrie in September – Emily Pedersen – finished one stroke further adrift in sixth.

Korea's Lee Soyoung took the Gold Medal after finishing 14 under par for three rounds, while the Silver went to Chinese Taipei's Cheng Ssu-Chia who finished three strokes behind in second. Thailand's Supamas Sangchan was four further back and took the Bronze at Zhongshan International Golf Club.