SHANGHAI
Phil Mickelson was unwinding from a day of high energy and quick turnarounds, one that took him from a two-shot deficit against Tiger Woods to a two-shot lead over the final eight holes yesterday in the HSBC Champions.
In the quiet of the clubhouse dining room, he marveled at how much the crowds have grown in the three years he has been coming to Sheshan International. And he could only imagine what it would be like today, when he played in the final group with Woods for the first time in more than four years.
Then he raised his glass in a mock toast. "And he's got to give me one shot a side," Mickelson said.
A rivalry that was renewed six weeks ago in Atlanta continued halfway around world in China when Woods stalled with pars and Mickelson poured in three birdies over his last five holes for a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead over Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship of the year.
"I know we are both looking forward to it," said Mickelson, who was at 14-under 202. "I think it will be a fun day, and we are excited to be playing in the last group here in China."
It will be the first time the world's top two players have been in the final group since their Duel at Doral in 2005, when Woods rallied from two shots back in the final round to win by one.
Woods wasn't terribly pleased to be in this position. He took his first outright lead of the tournament with a 15-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. After another 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th, his lead was two.
That was his last birdie of the round. He missed a chance on the par-5 14th, missed a six-foot birdie putt on the 16th and ended his day by driving into the rough and hitting into the trap on the par-5 18th. He saved par for a 2-under 70.
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