Mickelson takes charge in Atlanta

BellSouth Classic: Phil Mickelson was in a league of his own in Atlanta today as he produced the lowest 36-hole score of his 15-year US Tour career.

The defending champion added a 65 to his course record-equalling opening 63 and on the 16 under par mark of 128 held a massive seven-stroke lead over Jose Maria Olazabal at the BellSouth Classic.

Olazabal, who lost a play-off to Mickelson in the Masters warm-up event a year ago, returned a flawless 64, but had started the day down in 47th place on only one under.

Mickelson's halfway total also set a new tournament record, but he has no fears about peaking too soon for Augusta.

Even though Sandy Lyle in 1988 was the last player to win the Masters having won the week before, world number four Mickelson said: "I want to play as well as I can — it only breeds more confidence.

"I felt I was trying to make birdie every hole. Those rounds are few and far between for me, but I love them when they occur.

"I don't go into any round expecting to shoot 63 or 65, but I felt I was hitting the ball well and making a couple of putts early set the tone for the day.

"Following one low round with another is not the easiest thing to do, but I kept the ball in play and was able to attack.

"Hopefully I will continue to play well and take the momentum to Augusta next week."

Olazabal commented: "He must be playing really great golf. It makes it difficult to catch him unless we play awesome.

"I still don't feel comfortable with my driver, but I putted better without question and my attitude has been pretty good, which is important."

The pair both teed off at 7.30am, but on different halves and it was soon a case of "anything you can do I can do too."

Olazabal birdied three of his first four holes, but so did Mickelson. Olazabal turned in 32, but so did Mickelson. Olazabal quickly grabbed three more birdies, but so did Mickelson.

The only difference came right at the end, with the Spanish star finishing things off with a two-putt birdie — his eighth of the round — at the 18th.

Ian Poulter, fourth overnight on six under, had to be content with a 72, but had slipped only one place despite going from three behind Mickelson to 10 adrift.

David Howell also shot 72 and was a stroke further back along with Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington, who still had eight holes to play.