22 Feb 2009

Mickelson explodes on back nine to grab Riviera lead

4:33 pm on 22 February 2009

The defending champion Phil Mickelson has shot a nine under 62 to take a four stroke lead lead into the final round of the $12 million Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles.

Argentina's Andres Romero is second, one clear of South Korea's KJ Choi, South Africa's Rory Sabbatini, the second round leader Scott McCarron and Fred Couples who're tied for third.