Mickelson still has third straight major in view

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

MAMARONECK, United States (AFP) — Phil Mickelson's bid for a third straight major title was still on as the American started the third round of the US Open golf championship four shots off the lead.

"It's going to take some good golf," Mickelson said after a second-round 73 left him with a three-over total of 143. "But I just love the fact that I have a chance."

Mickelson's chances might have been better but for a bogey-bogey start to his round on Friday and another bogey at 18.

That one was more in the style Mickelson exhibited as he went 0-46 in major championships before winning the Masters in 2004.

Left of the fairway off the tee, he elected to try a second shot over a tree rather than punching back onto the fairway. The ball caught in the...