Mickelson in good position for a weekend assault

US TOUR NEWS:PHIL MICKELSON, recharged after a bout of food poisoning, moved to within one shot of the lead at the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina while Tiger Woods missed the cut after a disastrous second round 79.

Mickelson, who faded late in his opening round, looked a picture of health as he shot a four-under-par 68 to reach the halfway stage six under and suddenly feeling upbeat about his chances.

“I should be 100 per cent for the weekend,” declared Mickelson, who was in a chasing pack just one off the lead held by Argentina’s Angel Cabrera (after 14 holes).

Mickelson was joined in the clubhouse by JP Hayes after a course record-equalling 64, and Dustin Johnson (65).

First round leader Bo Van Pelt also dropped to six under (after 11 holes) to be alongside fellow Americans Billy Mayfair (15 holes) and Paul Goydos (14 holes).

The Masters champion started on the back nine and threatened a low number after reaching the turn in 32, courtesy of an eagle at the 15th and birdies at 11 and 17. He made the notoriously difficult closing stretch called the Green Mile look easy.

However, he failed to make up more ground and reeled off 10 straight pars.

“I thought I was going to get a few more on the front,” said Mickelson.

“But four under? I would say I’m in good position for the weekend,” he added.

Pádraig Harrington paid the price for an untidy finish which ultimately left the Dubliner exactly where he started on level par after a second successive 72.

The three-time major winner picked up three birdies and an eagle at the seventh against two bogeys on the front nine and threatened to get into contention.

However, three bogeys on the back nine – including the 16th and 18th – put paid to any progress.

Rory McIlroy was also level par for the tournament through seven holes and one shot inside the projected cut.

Lee Westwood, who challenged Mickelson at Augusta, joined the Irish pair on level par after 15 holes.

Woods, playing his first regular US PGA Tour event after a five-month self-imposed exile, finished with a seven over par 79 to miss the cut as the winds picked up and made birdie opportunities all the more scarce.