Mickelson leaves field in his wake

PHIL MICKELSON was in a league of his own in Atlanta yesterday as he produced the lowest 36-hole score of his 15-year US Tour career.

The defending champion added a 65 to his course record-equalling opening 63 and on the 16 under par mark of 128 held a massive seven-stroke lead over Jose Maria Olazabal and JJ Henry at the BellSouth Classic.

Olazabal, who lost a play-off to Mickelson in the same event a year ago, returned a flawless 64, but had started the day down in 47th place on only one under.