You are in > manchester.com  > News > Mickelson takes Shanghai lead

Golf

Mickelson takes Shanghai lead

10/11/2007

Phil Mickelson has moved into the lead of the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai after a third round of four-under-par.

The American is now on 14-under for the tournament, two shots clear of Englishman Ross Fisher and three ahead of Paul Casey.

Overnight leader Kevin Stadler is a further shot behind Casey after carding a one-over 73 on the third day.

Mickelson completed the front nine on one-under after trading three birdies and two bogies, however, the world number two was able to stretch ahead of the field after making three birdies in the final five holes.

The 37-year-old was pleased with the way his round came together at the end and feels confident heading into the final day's play.

He said: "I fought hard early in the round, I made a couple of birdies and a couple of bogeys and was back and forth for a while but towards the end of the round I steadied it a little bit and I had some good birdies coming in. It was a good way to finish."

Casey shot the round of the day, ending on a six-under-par 66 to move into contention with one round to go. The Englishman chipped in three times during his round, making seven birdies and one bogey.

Fisher was playing with Mickelson during the third round and the Englishman was pleased with the way his game held together under the pressure of playing alongside the double Masters champion.

He said: "I felt I played pretty good today. I hung in there and to come off with a bogey-free 68 is very, very pleasing."