Golf | Mickelson, Woods to play in final group of tournament in China

SHANGHAI, China — 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 Saturday in the HSBC Champions.

In the quiet of the clubhouse dining room, Mickelson 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 when he played in the final group with Woods — who is ranked No. 1 in the world — for the first time in more than four years.

Then Lefty smiled and raised his glass in a mock toast.

"And he's got to give me one shot a side," the second-ranked Mickelson said.

A rivalry that was renewed six weeks ago in Atlanta continued halfway around the world when Woods stalled with pars and Mickelson poured in three birdies over his last five holes for a 5-under-par 67 and a two-shot lead over fellow Americans Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship event of the year.

Ryan Moore (70) of Puyallup was in fourth place, three shots off the lead.

"I think it will be a fun day," said Mickelson, who was at 14-under 202.

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 a two-shot deficit in the final round to win by one stroke.

Woods (70) took his first outright lead of the HSBC with a 15-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. After another 15-foot birdie on the 10th, his lead was two.

"I didn't putt as well as I did the first two days," said Woods, who opened with two rounds of 67.

Watney (70) made a 50-foot eagle putt on No. 18 to make the elite final group.

"I suppose I'm kind of the odd man out there," Watney said. "But the goal in golf is always to improve, and tomorrow will be a big step for me. Regardless of the outcome, I'll get a chance to watch these guys and see how they handle themselves ... and, hopefully, I can handle myself well, too."

Other tournament

• South Korean Bo Bae Song closed with a 4-under 68 to win the Mizuno Classic by three strokes in Shima, Japan.

It was the first LPGA Tour title for Song, 23, who had a 15-under 201 total and earned $210,000.

Lorena Ochoa (64) of Mexico, American Brittany Lang (68) and Hee Young Park (68) of South Korea tied for second.