Mickelson takes charge with 64 at Riviera

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson, making the most of a favorable draw, took control of the Northern Trust Open by grabbing a four-shot lead in the second round on Friday.

The American world number two, fortunate to be among the day's late starters in relatively benign conditions, fired a sparkling seven-under-par 64 to put himself in position to win his first title at Riviera Country Club.

Mickelson, seeking his 33rd PGA Tour victory, rattled up two bogeys and nine birdies, the last a 20-footer on the 18th green in glorious late afternoon sunshine.

That left him on 10-under 132 at the tournament's halfway point, four ahead of compatriot Jeff Quinney (67) and Australia's Robert Allenby (66).

Billy Mayfair, the 1998 champion, carded a 69 to share fourth place at five under with fellow Americans Scott Verplank (69), Chad Campbell (70), Scott McCarron (65) and Vaughn Taylor (70).

Six golfers were still out on the course when play was suspended for the day in fading light and will have to complete the second round on Saturday morning.

"It was a good day," a smiling Mickelson told reporters after reaching 14 of 18 greens in regulation and totaling 26 putts.

"I hit it a lot better today than I did yesterday and I'm putting a lot better. I'm hitting a lot of good putts. I'm reading them well and my speed is much better.