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Mickelson looking to learn from past

21/09/2006

Phil Mickelson has said the American team must learn from their previous mistakes if they are to win this year's Ryder Cup.

Despite having a plethora of talent, the Americans have found themselves on the losing side in four of the last five competitions.

Many pundits have pointed to the lack of team spirit within the American team and Mickelson believed they must learn from past mistakes if they are to achieve success at the K Club.

"We thought we were going to come out and get some points and lead us on and it didn't obviously turn out that way," Mickelson said of his botched partnership with Tiger Woods at the last Ryder Cup.

"You have to be willing to take risks and be willing to fail at times to learn how to succeed."

Mickelson and Woods were beaten in the last round two years ago by European duo Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie as the Europeans took the trophy.

Harrington and Montgomerie were paired together on the practice course once again on Wednesday, only to be beaten by Paul McGinley and Henrik Stenson this time around.

However, Harrington admitted he would like the chance to partner the Scot come this weekend due to his exceptional record in the competition.

"I don't think anybody on the team would not relish the chance to play with Monty in a Ryder Cup," Harrington said.

"He's one of the best players in the world in the Ryder Cup format. He excels."

Montgomerie has only been beaten twice in 18 Ryder Cup matches.

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