Mickelson focused on Firestone

Phil Mickelson is focused on performing well this weekend, rather than usurping Tiger Woods at the top of the world rankings.
Phil Mickelson is focused on performing well at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this weekend, rather than usurping Tiger Woods at the top of the world rankings.
The 40-year-old left-hander was on course to wrest the world number one ranking from Woods after moving one shot behind halfway leader Retief Goosen at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
A top-four finish coupled with Woods finishing outside the top 44 would see Mickelson climb from second in the world to top spot.
The American was on six under with 36 holes to play after a second round 68 saw him sit joint second alongside Justin Leonard (66) and one behind South African Goosen, who was on seven under after rounds of 67 and 66.
Woods, meanwhile, signed for a two over par 72 and was 13 strokes off the lead on six over and in a tie for 72nd.
Although Mickelson is poised to end Woods’ 270-week reign at the top of the rankings, he is first concentrating on finding form for next week’s USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin.
“It would be something I would love to do and ultimately be regarded as number one according to the rankings,” said Mickelson.
“I know that I’ve got a great opportunity this week. I know that I’m playing well, and this is my best opportunity.
“(But) I try not to think about it.
“I want to come out and play well here, get in contention, get sharp, get focused, especially for next week, too.
“But also, this is a World Golf Championship event that means a lot, and I’d like to make a move this weekend.”
Goosen, who has seven PGA Tour career wins and has finished in the top 10 on seven occasions in 2010, was in pole position for victory at the halfway stage.
“This would be a great event to get my first win for the year,” said Goosen.
“We’ll see what I can do around here on the weekend.”
Lee Westwood, who like Mickelson had an opportunity to seize the world number one ranking, withdrew with a ruptured plantaris muscle in his right calf.
The 37-year-old Englishman even hinted his participation in the Ryder Cup in October could be in doubt due to the injury, which he suffered at the end of June before managing to finish a distant second behind stablemate Louis Oosthuizen in the Open at St Andrews.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.