Scrambling Mickelson stays in title hunt at TPC Boston

NORTON, Massachusetts, Sep 3 (Reuters) Phil Mickelson kept himself in the hunt for a 32nd PGA Tour title after scrambling his way to a three-under-par 68 at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

The American left-hander holed a series of par-saving putts before hitting a superb wedge approach to two feet at the last to set up his fourth birdie of the third round yesterday.

Mickelson posted an 11-under total of 202 to secure third place, two strokes behind playing partner and compatriot Brett Wetterich who ended a sun-drenched day with a one-shot lead.

''I've watched a couple players play very well the last two days and Brett had some incredible holes today,'' world number three Mickelson told reporters at the TPC Boston.

''Certainly he made a lot of great birdies, and he made a wonderful eagle on seven.'' Mickelson, playing in the event for the first time and one off the pace after the second round, conceded his scrambling abilities had been crucial with so many players in the field shooting low numbers in ideal scoring conditions.

''I made a lot of par putts today that were very important because I was having trouble getting my iron shots close to the hole,'' the 37-year-old Californian said.

''Being able to salvage pars and not force myself to keep making a lot of birdies allowed me to shoot a solid round of 68 and be in contention for tomorrow without having to force things.'' Mickelson, whose last Tour victory came at the prestigious Players Championship in May, will play with world number one Tiger Woods in Monday's final round, a pairing certain to attract huge galleries.

''I need a good round tomorrow,'' he said. ''I feel like there's a low round out there but usually most of the birdie holes here are in the first seven holes so you want to get off to a quick start.'' Reuters BJR VP0600