Mickelson closing in on No. 1 as Tiger falls to the bottom at Firestone

Goosen takes 1-shot lead over Mickelson

AKRON, Ohio — Phil Mickelson is closing in on No. 1.

The first step is to make up one shot against Retief Goosen, the 36-hole leader Friday at the Bridgestone Invitational. Looking more inevitable is Mickelson supplanting Tiger Woods atop the world ranking.

Even as Goosen was firing a 4-under 66 to take a one-shot lead at Firestone, Woods continued to look as ordinary as ever. He hit only three fairways on his way to a 72 and was 13 shots out of the lead, and five players removed from being in last place.

Mickelson followed a double bogey with back-to-back birdies, then finished with two nifty par saves for a 68 that put him one shot behind, tied for second with Justin Leonard, who had a 66.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Just about any other tournament, Tiger Woods would be on his way home after missing the cut.

There is no cut in the Bridgestone Invitational, although Woods left immediately Friday after spraying shots around Firestone for a 2-over 72 that left him at the bottom of the pack in this World Golf Championship.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen took advantage of another calm, overcast day for a 4-under 66 that gave him a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard among the early starters. Goosen was at 7-under 133.

Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Kenny Perry played in the afternoon.

Woods was at 6-over 146, 13 shots behind. He will lose his No. 1 ranking if Mickelson can finish fourth place or better.