Mickelson Wrests Lead from Woods in HSBC

Phil Mickelson carded three birdies over his final five holes for a 5-under 67 to take a two-shot lead over fellow Americans Tiger Woods and Nick Watney after 54 holes of the HSBC Champions in China. The European Tour event is the final World Golf Championship of the year.

Mickelson and Woods will be in the final group for the first time in a tournament since 2005. At their "Duel at Doral," Woods rallied from a two-shot deficit for the victory.

Mickelson, who sits at 14-under 202, was the only player in the field to shoot under 70. Woods had the lead after making a 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole for a two-shot lead, but that was his last birdie of the day and he couldn't keep pace with "Lefty."

"I didn't take advantage of the par-5s, and 16, I hit it in their stiff and missed that one," Woods said. "Consequently, I was three shots worse. That's about right.

"I didn't make any birdies, I didn't play the par-5s particularly well and consequently I'm two back," he added.

Mickelson, who has been the hottest player on the planet for the past month, is looking forward to his head-to-head match-up with Woods. "I love the fact I've got a two-shot lead and I love the fact we get to play together. There's a number of guys who are going to be in mix aside from Tiger and myself, but it's fun we have a chance to play together."

Watney is also in the hunt after shooting a 70 in the third round and is tied with Woods at 12-under. "I thought I played pretty well overall, considering it was my first time playing with Tiger in a tournament, and I was happy that I was able to concentrate and play the shots I needed to play," he said. "Hopefully, at only two back, I might have a shot at the tournament, and I really can't wait."

Joining his fellow Americans in the top five is Ryan Moore, who carded a 70 and is at 11-under. Lee Westwood (65) is another stroke back, while Anthony Kim (72) and India's Jyoti Randhawa (70) are at minus-8.