Mickelson looks ahead to majors after Riviera setback

PACIFIC PALISADES, California, Feb 19 (Reuters) Masters champion Phil Mickelson turned his thoughts to the opening major of the season after being edged out in a playoff for the Nissan Open.

Bidding for his second consecutive title on the PGA Tour, Mickelson squandered a four-shot lead early in the final round before losing to fellow American Charles Howell III at the third extra hole yesterday.

''That was disappointing because I felt like I had the tournament in my grasp and let it go,'' world number four Mickelson told reporters after his putter let him down badly over the closing tretch at Riviera Country Club.

''I had every chance on the back nine to create some separation but I missed a couple of putts coming in and bogeyed the last hole.'' The American left-hander, who cruised to a five-shot victory at last week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, missed a 10-foot par putt on the third extra hole before Howell rammed home a four-footer to clinch the title.

''It happens, it's part of the game,'' Mickelson added. ''But I certainly will look back and say that there were a lot of opportunities that I let slide. I had the tournament in control.

''I just needed to par the last hole. If I birdied 16 and make that four-footer, I'm probably going to do it also. If I don't miss that par putt on 13, a good chance I do it also.'' The three-times major winner ran up a three-putt bogey at the par-four 13th, left a birdie attempt inches short at the 15th and missed a four-foot birdie putt at the 16th on his way to a three-under-par 68.

''But, on the good note, it's better to get those out of the way early in the season and see if I can eliminate things for the upcoming majors,'' he said.

Mickelson, who defends his Masters title from April 5-8, applauded the performance of Howell, who fired a seven-birdie 65 to take the tournament into extra holes.

''I thought Charles played a great round of golf today,'' he said. ''He shot six under par to get into a playoff. I played with him on Saturday and I thought he was playing very good golf.

''He's had a couple of seconds and now he's got a win. I just think he is starting to play to what his potential is.'' REUTERS PM KN0908