Masters-Mickelson overshadows Woods as Augusta favorite

(Reuters) - Holder Phil Mickelson and four-times Masters champion Tiger Woods were major talking points at Augusta National on Tuesday after being conspicuous by their absence from the course the previous day.

With just one more day of practice left before the start of the 75th Masters, Mickelson has emerged as the players' title favorite although few discount the ability of Woods to rebound from a winless streak dating back almost 17 months.






Left-hander Mickelson signaled he was ready to claim a fifth major crown by winning the Houston Open on Sunday, his first success on the PGA Tour since he landed his third green jacket here 12 months ago.

"I played very well and it was a big confidence booster because I felt that golf was in me this year but I haven't been getting it out," the American world number three told reporters after practicing on the range with swing coach Butch Harmon.

"I haven't had the same type of mental focus throughout the round that I expect, and I was able to do it very effectively on the weekend.

"So to be able to have that type of performance heading into here feels very good. It reminds me a lot of 2006 when I was able to put it together the week before and carry the momentum through."

Five years ago, Mickelson won the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta before clinching the second of his three Masters crowns the following week.

"It's good for his confidence," twice Masters champion Ben Crenshaw said of Mickelson's victory in Houston on Sunday.

"Most of the time you see a string of good play before someone wins the Masters, you catch a wave of confidence in your game and you want it to spill over here."

While Woods has been the perennial favorite going into the Masters since his stunning maiden victory at Augusta National by a record 12 shots in 1997, this week is very different.

The former world number one has slipped to seventh in the rankings, following his lengthy absence from the winner's circle, and most of his peers regard Mickelson as the player to beat.

MICKELSON DOMINANCE

"I think Phil (is more dominant)," said Germany's top-ranked Martin Kaymer. "And especially after last week, the way he won. He shot 16 under on the weekend so I think he has good chances again."

Britain's Lee Westwood played with Mickelson during that third round in Houston and had a front row seat as the American fired a sizzling 63.

"He played as good as I've seen him play ever," the English world number two said. "He played very well.