Quinney finds comfort zone with Mickelson

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) - Jeff Quinney felt completely at ease in the company of tournament leader Phil Mickelson at the Northern Trust Open on Saturday and is looking forward to a repeat in the final round.

American Quinney, like Mickelson, attended Arizona State University but had never before played with the three-times major winner in competition.

"It was the first time I played with Phil although I've played with Tiger (Woods) before and Vijay (Singh)," Quinney told reporters after ending the third round one stroke behind Mickelson.

"You know everyone is going to be watching our group. Everyone's rooting for Phil. And he's a great player so it's hard not to watch him at times and concentrate on what you're doing because he hits some amazing shots.

"But I settled in quickly and I felt really comfortable," added Quinney, who aced the par-three sixth hole on his way to a four-under-par 67 at Riviera Country Club.

"I think once you get on the course and inside the ropes, you're more calm than you are maybe sleeping on it or waking up."

Oregon native Quinney, who won the 2000 U.S. amateur championship, accepts he faces a tough task in an effective head-to-head with the world number two.

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