Britain’s Lee Westwood maintained ice-cool composure while fending off an electrifying back-nine charge by Phil Mickelson to take a one-shot lead after Saturday’s third round of the US Masters.
While Tiger Woods clawed his way back into contention after losing his cool early on, Westwood fired a four-under-par 68 in glorious spring sunshine at Augusta National to post a 12-under total of 204.
Mickelson, a two-time Masters champion, carded a 67 to lie second with world No. 1 Woods and his playing partner K.J. Choi of South Korea a further stroke back at eight under after carding matching 70s.
PHOTO: AFP
Calm conditions, receptive greens and several accessible pins resulted in a glut of aggressive shot-making as the majestic Georgian pines at Augusta resonated with loud roars for birdies and eagles.
“It was probably one of those great days in golf at a major championship,” Westwood told reporters after a well-crafted round featuring five birdies and a lone bogey at the 12th.
In yesterday’s final round, Westwood had to execute in the company of Mickelson, who thrilled the crowds on Saturday by covering 13, 14 and 15 with a stunning eagle-eagle-birdie run.
“I haven’t played this way in a long time, and I feel great about my game,” said the American, who briefly led by one before slipping back with a three-putt bogey at the 17th.
Woods, playing his first tournament in nearly five months after his double life was exposed at the end of last year, was delighted to be in contention for a 15th major title.
Mickelson, Masters champion in 2004 and 2006, treated the Augusta galleries to one of the most spectacular exhibitions of golf seen at the year’s opening major.
He became only the third player to record successive eagles when he holed out from 141 yards at the par-four 14th, his ball pitching six feet beyond the hole before rolling back down the slope into the cup.
Mickelson, who had knocked in a six-footer to eagle the par-five 13th, raised his arms skywards in disbelief as the crowd roared its approval.
“I can’t believe that ball disappeared and went in,” Mickelson said. “It was sure fun, especially after eagling 13, and that walk up was awesome.”
Dan Pohl, in the third round of the 1982 Masters, and Dustin Johnson, in the fourth round last year, had previously posted back-to-back eagles at Augusta.
Mickelson came agonizingly close to a third successive eagle at the par-five 15th, his wedge approach there ending up six inches from the cup to give him a tap-in for birdie.
Woods made a flying start with long-range birdie putts at the first and third, closing to within a stroke of the lead before losing both momentum and his temper.
He bogeyed the fourth, sixth and seventh, his mounting frustration showing with a scathing “Tiger, you suck” after he made a poor swing on the sixth tee.
Watched for the third day in a row by his mother Kultida who wore a floppy white sun hat, Woods continued his up-and-down journey before ending the day with a mix of seven birdies and five bogeys.
He remains in the title hunt, however, after coming into this week with a major question mark hanging over his emotional state.
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