Chinese schoolboy Guan Tianlang made the cut at the 77th Masters on Friday despite being penalised one shot for slow play in the second round.

The 14-year-old from Guangzhou, who is the youngest player in Masters history, was sanctioned as he played the 17th hole.

That meant he came in with a three-over par 75 and stood at four-over 148 after 36 holes.

Making the cut were the top 50 and level plus all players within 10 strokes and with the halfway lead later established at six-under 138, Guan was safely through, right on the limit, to play at the weekend.

He became the youngest player in the history of the Masters on Thursday when he carded a one-over 73 that included four birdies and five bogeys, and is the first player from mainland China to make the cut in the year’s first major.

On Friday, he dropped two shots at the fourth and seventh, as heavy rain fell on Augusta National, to reach the turn in 38.

But with the weather brightening, he then calmly picked his way around the fearful Amen Corner (holes 11-13) without dropping a stroke.

He was parring his way in from there when referee John Paramor walked onto the course as Guan prepared to play his second shot and informed him of the penalty sanction, having warned him earlier in the round.

“I played pretty good today,” Guan said. “I know the rules pretty good. This is what they can do.”

Guan became the first player punished for slow play in a major since American Steve Lowery at the 2004 PGA Championship.

“This still is a wonderful experience for me,” Guan said. “I have enjoyed playing in the Masters and I think I did a pretty good job.”

Playing partner Matteo Manassero said he had sympathy with Guan given the gusting winds that affected Augusta National on Friday, but he agreed that the Chinese youngster had been slow to play.

“I think it’s the biggest thing he needs to be careful about, because I think he’s ready,” the Italian said.

“When the caddie pulls the club for him, I think he’s ready. But he just sometimes … takes a little too long. He just asks questions that I think he knows, as well, but just to be sure, just to be clear in his mind.

“We all hope he’s going to make the cut, but this certainly will be a very valuable lesson. He will never forget it for sure, and he will learn from it.”

The two previous Chinese players to compete in the Masters, Zhang Lianwei in 2004 and Liang Wenchang in 2008, both failed to make the cut.