Mickelson moves ahead of Harrington in California

Padraig Harrington was trailing leader Phil Mickelson by two strokes midway through the third round of the Nissan Open in California.

Harrington and Mickelson began the day tied for the lead at 11-under par, but two quick birdies by the American gave him the advantage.

Mickelson started as he meant to go on, his second shot of the day settling on the fringe 97 feet away and then two-putting the par-five first hole. He added another birdie on the next when he made a five-foot putt.

Irishman Harrington got to within a shot of the leader on the third hole when he made a 12-foot birdie putt, but then gave one away when he bogeyed the par-three sixth.

KJ Choi and Rich Beem were tied for third, five shots back at eight under. Choi was five under after 15 holes on his third round, while Beem was three under after 11.

Steve Elkington, who won the 1995 PGA Championship when it was played at the same Riviera Country Club venue, was seven under overall, three under on his round after 13 holes.