Young Italian stallion Matteo Manassero is on target to become the youngest ever winner of the WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship.

The 17-year old is among eight players in the remaining 16 to be under 30 years of age.

The sight Manassero is hoping his Match-Play rivals will see

Manassero, winner of last October’s Castellon Masters, will play England’s Luke Donald in the quarter finals.

In earlier matches he defeated current World No. 8 Steve Striker and then took out South African Charl Schwartzel.

Victory over Donald will see Manassero tackle the winner of the all-American match of Nick Watney and Ryan Moore.

If the affable Italian should go on and capture the event he will be nearly 10 years younger than Tiger Woods who was 27-years when he captured the title in 2003.

“I don’t want to put pressure on myself in thinking I will make the final,” Manassero said.

“All I am trying to do now is to win against Luke.”

Watney bundled out World No. 1 Lee Westwood in Thursday’s encounter to ensure Westwood has never managed to get past the second round in 11 appearances.

But while the likes of Woods, Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els have been knocked out there remains some serious talent in the form of World No. 2 Martin Kaymer and reigning U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell.

Should Kaymer reach the finals, and he doesn’t have to win, he’ll take over as Number One in the world.

“It would be nice if it happens this week and I go to Number One,” said Kaymer.

“Hopefully, I will get more opportunities in the future. But we will see. I still have three matches to win before that happens.”

Kaymer participated in the longest match on day two before getting the better of England’s Justin Rose at the 20th hole.