Dream pairing set: Lefty vs. Tiger



Mickelson has two-shot lead for today's final-round showdown with Woods.
MIAMI (AP) -- Phil Mickelson heard the roars of a dynamic charge ahead of him. Every time he glanced at the leaderboard, he noticed Tiger Woods taking another shot off his lead until it was down to two Saturday in the Ford Championship at Doral.
Lefty was loving it.
"I had a different feeling today," Mickelson said after his 6-under 66. "I wanted him to play well. I want to go head-to-head with him. I've been looking forward to the chance to play head-to-head against him. If I'm able to turn things around from the past and come out on top, it will make for a very special week."
Doral could not have asked for a better duel.
Mickelson continued to bully the Blue Monster with a variety of wedge shots from thick rough that gave him birdie chances, and left him at 20-under 196 and in the lead for the 10th consecutive round in stroke play.
Tiger fires 63
Woods energized the monstrous gallery with his power, driving the green on the 347-yard 16th hole and making good on a birthday pledge to his father to shoot a low round. His 8-foot birdie on the final hole gave him a 9-under 63, the low score of the tournament, and put him two shots behind.
"We're going to have a bunch of fun [today]," Woods said. "It's going to be competitive, and I think we're both going to be focused on making a bunch of birdies."
The gallery might not realize this, but there were other players with an outside chance at Doral.
Zach Johnson, who had to pull out of the pro-am with a bad back, shot a 64 and was six shots behind at 14-under, along with James Driscoll (67) and defending champion Craig Parry (67).
Vijay Singh couldn't keep pace with a 68 and was seven shots behind, joined by two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal (70) and former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk (67).
But all that mattered to anyone were two of the biggest names in golf -- Phil and Tiger.
Just like 2003 Buick Invitational
They last played in the final group at the 2003 Buick Invitational, after Lefty had made his infamous "inferior equipment" comment. Woods went on to win by four, with Mickelson six shots behind.
Mickelson repeatedly said his record was not so stellar against Woods, although he usually is having to make up ground. He is one of three players on the PGA Tour to beat him from behind, at the 2000 Tour Championship.
"Five years ago -- great," Mickelson deadpanned.
Lefty was plenty loose as he considered a Sunday showdown against a player he described as "tough," and someone who when "just a fraction off of his best is still better than just about anybody in the game."
But Lefty has a big advantage Sunday. Not only does he have a two-shot cushion, he is playing the best golf of anyone on the PGA Tour. Mickelson won by five shots in Phoenix and went wire-to-wire at Pebble Beach to win by five.
This dream pairing was set up on the back nine.
Woods had six birdies, finishing his round with an 8-footer on the 18th and a message for his father, Earl, who turned 73 on Saturday.
"Happy birthday, dad. I told you I would shoot a low one for you, and I did," Woods said to NBC Sports.
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