Harris English fired a 6-under-par 66 on Friday to grab a two-stroke lead at the Farmers Insurance Open, as five-time major winner Phil Mickelson joined Tiger Woods on the sidelines.
English had six birdies and no bogeys on the North Course at Torrey Pines, the easier of the two layouts used in the first two rounds of the US$6.3 million USPGA Tour event.
The final two rounds are to be played on the tougher South Course, but neither Woods nor Mickelson will be there.
Former world No. 1 Woods hobbled off with an aching back after 11 holes of his opening round on Thursday, while Mickelson posted a 72 on the North Course to miss the cut.
English, a two-time winner on the US tour, leads the weekend charge with a 10-under total of 134. The US’ Nick Watney fired a 65 to head a group on 136 that also includes Scotland’s Martin Laird, who posted a 68, and Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas, who signed for a 69.
Nicholas Thompson, who led the first round with a 64, carded a 73 and was alone in fifth on 137.
Australia’s Jason Day and England’s Ian Poulter headlined a group of 10 players tied for sixth on 138.
Mickelson’s even-par effort was better than his 2-over opening round, but putting woes doomed him to a second straight missed cut.
“It’s very frustrating for me right now,” the 44-year-old said. “I felt really ready to start the year and these first few weeks have been very poor. I feel like I’m hitting the ball tee to green quite well, really well, but my putting is beyond pathetic.
“If I can’t get back to the levels of 2013, I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” added Mickelson, who is coming off a season in which he failed to win for the first time since 2003.
Mickelson, who tried both a conventional and “claw” putting grip, admitted that his struggles on the greens were getting him down.
“I’m down because I see other parts of my game do very well, but putting as bad as I have, it starts to creep into some of the other areas, too,” he said.
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