SHANGHAI — Phil Mickelson was unwinding from a day of high energy and quick turnarounds, one that took him from a two-shot deficit against Tiger Woods to a two-shot lead over the final eight holes yesterday in the HSBC Champions.

In the quiet of the clubhouse dining room, he marveled at how much the crowds have grown in the three years he has been coming to Sheshan International. And he could only imagine what it would be like today, when he played in the final group with Woods for the first time in more than four years.

Then he smiled and raised his glass in a mock toast.

"And he's got to give me one shot a side," Mickelson said.

A rivalry that was renewed six weeks ago in Atlanta continued halfway around the world in China when Woods stalled with pars and Mickelson poured in three birdies over his last five holes for a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead over Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship of the year.

"I know we are both looking forward to it," said Mickelson, who was at 14-under 202. "I think it will be a fun day, and we are excited to be playing in the last group here in China."

It will be the first time the world's top two players have been in the final group since their Duel at Doral in 2005, when Woods rallied from a two-shot deficit in the final round to win by one.

Woods wasn't terribly pleased to be in this position. He took his first outright lead of the tournament with a 15-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. After another 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th, his lead was up to two.

That turned out to be his last birdie of the round. He missed one opportunity on the par-5 14th, badly missed on a 6-foot birdie putt on the 16th and finished his round by driving into the rough and hitting his approach into the bunker on the par-5 18th, having to save par for a 2-under 70.

"I didn't putt as well as I did the first two days," said Woods, who opened with 67-67. "And the back nine, I didn't take advantage of the par 5s and 16. I hit it in there stiff and missed that one as well. Consequently, I was three shots worse."

Not to be forgotten is Watney, who completes this all-Californian final group. After a three-putt bogey on the 17th, the 28-year-old sank a 50-foot eagle on the 18th for a 70 to join Woods at 12-under 204.

"I suppose I'm kind of the odd man out there," Watney said. "But the goal in golf is always to improve, and tomorrow will be a big step for me. Regardless of the outcome, I'll get a chance to watch these guys and see how they handle themselves, and hopefully, I can handle myself well, too."

Ryan Moore, who qualified for the HSBC Champions by winning for the first time on the PGA Tour in August, had a 70 and was another shot back. Lee Westwood, who is leading the Race to Dubai on the European tour, had eight birdies in a round of 65 and is at 10-under 206.

LPGA

SONG TAKES ONE-SHOT LEAD IN MIZUNO CLASSIC

South Korea's Bo Bae Song birdied the final hole for a 7-under 65 yesterday and a one-stroke lead in the Mizuno Classic at Shima, Japan.

Song had six birdies in a front-nine 30, then had two birdies and a bogey on the final nine holes to reach 11-under 133 at Kintetsu Kashikojima golf course.

Akane Iijima (64) and In-Kyung Kim (65) were tied for second, and Rui Kitada (66) was at 135 in the event sanctioned by the LPGA Tour and Japan LPGA.

Defending champion Jiyai Shin (67) was at 136 and in a group that included Japanese star Ai Miyazato (67), 2007 winner Momoko Ueda (68) and first-round leader Brittany Lang (70) — the lone non-Asian player in the top 12. Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa (69) was 4 under.