Tiger stalking Mickelson

Phil Mickelson carded a fine six-under-par 66 to lead from Tiger Woods after the third round of the Ford Championship in Florida.

Mickelson took advantage of ideal conditions at the Doral Resort’s Blue Monster course but Woods closed the gap after a spectacular 63.

Mickelson, the reigning Masters champion, is at 20 under on 196 after 54 holes, two shots in front of the world number two heading into the final round.

Zach Johnson (64), James Driscoll (67) and defending champion Craig Parry (67) are in a tie for third, six shots off the pace.

Woods had his best driving round of the year, finding every fairway on the back nine, and even driving the green with a 330-yard effort at the par-four 16th.

He had only three birdies on the front nine, before picking up six more birdies on the way home, ending with an eight-foot effort at the last.

Mickelson has now led in each of the last 10 stroke play rounds on the PGA Tour.