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Mickelson returns to form

Golf Events RSS / / 09 February 2007 /

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Phil Mickelson shares the lead after the opening round of the AT&T National Pro-Am in California after firing a 65 at the Poppy Hills course

The two-time Masters champion has been out of sorts in the early stages of 2007, failing to finish in the top 40 of his first three events of the season.

But the left-hander produced an impressive seven-under-par round on the opening day of the three-course event, including an 18ft eagle putt on the final hole to share the lead with Tour rookie John Mallinger and Nick Watney.

Mickelson admitted afterwards: "It was a fun day, even though it was windy at times, and I don't think I've ever driven the ball better before.

"The greens were in great shape and the key was that I started every putt on line at the right speed."

American duo Jim Furyk, Jason Schultz and India's Arjun Atwal are two shots off the lead at -5, while England's Greg Owen is among a group of eleven players on -3 after an opening 68.
Ireland's Paul McGinley, in a rare appearance in America, performed well with a 69 at Poppy Hills and leaves him four shots off the pace.
Betfair traders see Mickelson as the favourite to claim top spot in California this week, with the 36-year-old available to back at 4.

Fuyrk is next best in the winner market at 5.5, Watney is trading at 15 while Aaron Baddeley (-4) available at 21.
Owen is currently trading at 80 to win the event with McGinley at 130, while the duo are available at 3.2 and 3.15 respectively to finish as the top European player.

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