Mickelson hopes to carry on good form into Singapore Open

SENTOSA - World number two Phil Mickelson is hoping to carry his impressive late-season form into this weeks US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open, which will bring together the strongest field in Asia this year.

The hugely popular American lefthander regained second spot in the world rankings after his victory over Tiger Woods in the Tour Championship last month and then contributed four and a half points for the triumphant United States team in the President’s Cup.

He rediscovered his famed putting touch with a sparkling five-under-par 65 in the final round of the Tour Championship for a three-shot triumph over second-placed Woods.

Two-time Masters champion Mickelson faces a formidable field that includes fellow Major winners Padraig Harrington of Ireland, South Africa’s Ernie Els, Geoff Ogilvy of Australia and New Zealander Michael Campbell.

Additionally, there are 10 players in the world’s top-50 and a total of 118 winners from the Asian Tour and European Tour, who are co-sanctioning Asia’s richest national Open for the first time

“For me it is to finish the year strong and continue to play the way I have had in my last two events. I want to carry that play over into Asia, said Mickelson in a press conference Tuesday.

Mickelson is making his third appearance at the Sentosa Golf Club where his charisma lit up the tournament in 2007 and last year, when he finished ninth after playing his way into the final group Sunday. He believes that a third visit could prove to be lucky.

After playing for two years I think I am starting to know the course more and more, said the man nicknamed Leftie.

“I have learned the nuances of the golf course. I think Sentosa is an amazing development. It is a championship calibre layout.”

Scott, back-to-back champion in 2005 and 2006, will be hoping that a return to the scene of his famous wins will boost to his form. He has slipped down the world rankings to 76th after a poor run of form on the PGA Tour this season.

“It is a nice feeling to come to a place where I have played so many good shots before. It is an opportunity to use that to my advantage and to play well and have a good week, said Scott.

Scott possesses one of the purest swings in golf and thrilled the Singapore galleries with a seven-stroke victory over Englands Lee Westwood in 2005. The following year, he added to his popularity and reputation by beating South Africas Els in a three-hole play-off.

Scott has won six times on the PGA Tour, his last victory coming at the 2008 Byron Nelson Championship, and he also won the Qatar Masters on the European Tour last year.

But his form has dipped over the past 12 months which he is hopeful of turning the corner.

“Its a tough game and a game of confidence and I know from past experience that you can win a tournament one week and then feel invincible the next. A win suddenly would certainly boost the confidence.