Mickelson leads Woods by 2 in Shanghai

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Tiger Woods stalled with pars. Phil Mickelson poured it on with birdies.

The back nine Saturday at the HSBC Champions changed names atop the leaderboard, as Mickelson made three birdies over the last five holes for a 5-under 67 that took him from a 2-shot deficit to a 2-shot lead over Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship of the year.

Mickelson and Woods will be in the final group today at Sheshan International in Shanghai for the first time since 2005, that famous “Duel at Doral,” when Woods rallied from a 2-shot deficit in the final round to win.

“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.”

Woods wasn’t terribly pleased.

“I didn’t putt as well as I did the first two days,” said Woods, who opened with 67-67. “And the back nine, I didn’t take advantage of the par 5s and 16.”

Not to be forgotten is Watney, who completes this All-American — for that matter, all-Californian — final group. After a three-putt bogey on the 17th, Watney sank a 50-foot eagle on the 18th for a 70 to join Woods at 12-under 204.

| The Associated Press

Posted on Sat, Nov. 07, 2009 10:15 PM

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