Golf: Mickelson joins Woods in early share of Doral lead

MIAMI - Phil Mickelson birdied two of the last three holes to join holder Tiger Woods in an early tie for the second-round lead at the Doral Championship today.

Mickelson, overhauled by Woods in a gripping last-day duel for the title 12 months ago, completed a six-under-par 66 at Doral's Blue Course.

That left him on 13-under 131, level with world number one Woods who mixed six birdies with a bogey for a 67.

A stroke clear at the start of the day, Woods retained his advantage by picking up shots at the 10th, his first hole, the 16th and 18th.

He also birdied one and two before stumbling with a bogey at the par-three fourth.

Despite making another birdie at the fifth, Woods had to settle for a share of the lead with left-hander Mickelson, who finished in style with birdies on 16 and 17.

Rich Beem, winner of the 2002 US PGA Championship, and fellow American Mark Wilson carded matching 67s to tie for third at 12 under.

Compatriots Zach Johnson (65) and Troy Matteson (64) were a further two strokes back in joint fifth place.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia, the world number six, returned a second successive 69 to finish at six-under 138.

Of the other big names, twice US Open champion Retief Goosen was at five under after signing for a 69.

Among the late starters, world number two Vijay Singh was at three under after five holes while fourth-ranked Ernie Els was battling to make the halfway cut.

Els, who opened with a level-par 72, was two under for the day after six holes and narrowly outside the projected cutline of three-under 141.

Nine of the world's top 10 are playing this week at the Blue Course, where the tournament is being held for the final time as a regular tour stop.

Next year, it will be replaced by the elite WGC-CA Championship, one of four World Golf Championships (WGC) events held during the season for the world's top 64 players.

- REUTERS