AKRON, Ohio — Phil Mickelson is closing in on No. 1.
The first step is to make up a one-shot deficit against Retief Goosen, the 36-hole leader Friday at the Bridgestone Invitational.
Looking more inevitable is Mickelson finally supplanting Tiger Woods atop the world ranking.
Goosen turned bogey into birdie by chipping in from 25 yards off the green at No. 4, sending him on his way to a 4-under-par 66 that gave him a 133 total and one-shot lead over Mickelson and Justin Leonard (66) going into the weekend at Firestone.
Even as Goosen led another assault on par in soft conditions, Woods continued to look as ordinary as ever. The seven-time champion at Firestone hit only three fairways and stumbled to a 2-over 72 — the first time he has had consecutive rounds over par at this tournament — that put him 13 shots out of the lead, and five players removed from last place.
Woods had no intention of speaking to reporters, instead walking to his car and driving away.
He has been No. 1 in the world since the week before the 2005 U.S. Open, but would lose his top ranking if Mickelson were to finish in fourth place alone and Woods — who is tied for 72nd — finishes out of the top 44.
“Obviously, it would be cool,” Mickelson said. “It would be something I would love to do, being regarded as No. 1 according to the ranking. And I know that I’ve got a great opportunity this week. I know that I’m playing well, and this is my best opportunity.”
Sixteen players were separated by four shots. That includes Bubba Watson (71) in the group at 5-under 135, Adam Scott (70), Lucas Glover (66) and Paul Casey (68) at 136, and Rory McIlroy (69) and Dustin Johnson (65) in the group at 137.
Lee Westwood, the world’s No. 3 player, withdrew from the tournament because of a sore ankle, and from the PGA Championship next week.
Cejka holds one-shot lead
VERONA, N.Y. — Alex Cejka shot a 4-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Chris Tidland (69—135) and Rory Sabbatini (70) after the second round of the Turning Stone Resort Championship.
Armour III takes charge
BLAINE, Minn. — Tommy Armour III shot a 9-under 63 and has a one-stroke lead over Mark Calcavecchia and David Frost after the first round of the 3M Championship.
On a perfect day for golf — temperatures in the low 80s, partly cloudy skies and little wind — 45 of the 78 players finished under par.
