Golf Events / Editor / 11 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Phil Mickelson and fellow American Kevin Sutherland are joint leaders after the third round of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Mickelson, who shared the overnight lead with Jim Furyk, fired a two-under-par 70 to finish the round on 14 under for the tournament and level with Sutherland, while Furyk fell away to eight under and six shots off the lead when he dropped five shots after the turn in driving wind and rain.

The 27-year-old tour rookie John Mallinger holds third place after carding a 68 with veteran duo Corey Pavin and Davis Love III five shots off the lead.

Masters champion Mickelson had a two-shot lead at one stage in the third round but was pegged back by Sutherland after dropping two shots in the back nine. However he is hopeful of going on to clinch victory on Sunday and emulate his 1998 and 2005 title success.

He said: "Those were the most difficult conditions of the three days that I've experienced."

He added: "I'm driving it better than I think I ever have. The last three weeks I could feel I was getting a little sharper.

"There are a lot of good players still there but I've got to come out with a good round on Sunday to give myself a chance."

Mickelson is now trading at 1.71 to win the tournament in Betfair's Winner market, while Sutherland is available at 4.4. Furyk can now be found at 48 after the conditions got the better of him, while Mallinger is on offer at 8.6.

Pavin is some way back in the market at 120, while Davis Love III is available at 40.

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