Phil Mickelson holds off Quinney for Riviera victory

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson held off a strong challenge from playing partner Jeff Quinney to win the Northern Trust Open by two shots at Riviera Country Club on Sunday.

The world number two, who squandered an early three-stroke cushion to trail by one after the turn, recovered to clinch his 33rd PGA Tour title with a one-under-par 70.

Mickelson, beaten by fellow American Charles Howell III in a playoff at Riviera last year, piled up three birdies and two bogeys in sun-soaked conditions for a 12-under total of 272.

Quinney, a stroke behind Mickelson overnight, had to settle for second place after rolling in a 25-footer to birdie the last for a 71.

Britain's Luke Donald birdied the final two holes for a 68 to share third place at seven under with British Open champion Padraig Harrington (68).

"This is pretty cool," a beaming Mickelson said in a greenside television interview after triumphing for the first time at Riviera.

"I have wanted to win this for such a long time. It was a tough fight today because Jeff played so well. He gave a few (shots) back at the end but it was a good battle."

Mickelson appeared likely to run away with the tournament when he doubled his overnight lead with a birdie at the par-five first after reaching the green in two and two-putting.