Golf:Phil Mickelson will still take some catching but Padraig Harrington emerged from the chasing pack as the most likely contender after a stellar third round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona. The Dubliner, who treaded water yesterday, got back in the hunt with a round of 63 to claim second place, three behind Mickelson.

Harrington got off to the perfect start, rolling in birdies on the first three holes and adding another two as he reached the turn in just 30 blows. An eagle putt at the 13th narrowly missed the cup but Harrington would make no mistake two holes later, holing from nine feet to move on to 16 under.

In high spirits, Harrington kicked American footballs into the crowd at the 16th but would only muster pars on each of the final three holes despite giving himself a couple of chances.

Nevertheless, his 63 was a sterling effort as he gave Mickelson, who still had six to play having reached 19 under, something to think about as he went down the stretch.