Phil Mickelson stayed on pace to win back-to-back tournaments for the first time in his career Friday, shooting a 3-under-par 68 to take a one-shot lead in the FBR Open.
Mickelson had three birdies and an eagle before bogeying the last two holes.
His 36-hole score of 10-under 132 was just beyond the reach of Jonathan Kaye, Jeff Sluman and first-round leader Scott Verplank.
"It could have been a really good day, but it's close enough to where a good round tomorrow will give me a chance," said Mickelson, who was winless in 2003 and wound up a career-low 38th on the money list after three years of finishing second.
The left-hander also led with two rounds to go at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, which he won Sunday for his 22nd title, and has been in the 60s all seven rounds this year.
"I feel very comfortable with the way I'm playing, which I haven't had in a long time," Mickelson said.
Verplank started one shot ahead of Mickelson and was up by that margin after 16 holes before also finishing with consecutive bogeys. That threw him back with Sluman, who carded a 67, and Kaye, who shot 68.
Masters champion Mike Weir finished the first round Friday morning with a par-saving, 11-foot putt for 65. Then he played the second in 69 to stay within two shots of the lead. He was joined at 134 by Ricky Barnes (67).
Seventy players made the cut at 142 -- a sign the course was toughened by lengthening some holes. Last year's cut was at 4-under.
Three-time Phoenix winner Mark Calcavecchia and Paul Azinger, the 1987 champion, shot 66s and easily got in the final field as part of an eight-golfer group at 137.
Defending champion Vijay Singh, a two-time winner, carded a 69 for 140 -- in the money by two strokes, and in position to try to extend his run of 10 consecutive top-10 finishes.
Chris DiMarco (2002), Jesper Parnevik (1998) and Lee Janzen (1993) were other Phoenix winners who got in, but Rocco Mediate, the 1999 champ, was out after back-to-back 72s. Jose Maria Olazabal, a two-time Masters champion, was 1-under through seven holes in the second round before withdrawing because of a rib injury.
Mickelson birdied the fifth hole with a short putt, and the eighth with a 45-footer from the fringe.
But the former Arizona State athlete drew the biggest roar from the gallery with a drive of more than 360 yards on the par-5 13th, followed by a 5-iron shot that stopped within 3 feet of the cup.
Mickelson holed the eagle putt, dropping to 11-under.
Two holes later, he birdied No. 15, a par-5 lengthened by 57 yards last year as part of a PGA effort to toughen the course, for the second straight day. This time, he laid up short of the water encircling the green and dropped a deft wedge within 2m.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely