Golf: Mickelson maintains Riviera lead

LOS ANGELES: Phil Mickelson maintained a one-shot lead after two rounds of the US PGA Tour's Northern Trust Open, buoyed by a dramatic eagle from the fairway that helped offset some less impressive play. "I probably didn't play the greatest today, but I was able to kind of salvage a good round," said Mickelson. He carded a one-under par 70 at Riviera Country Club for a six-under total of 136. Meanwhile, world number one Luke Donald, playing his first US event of the season, carded a one-over 72 for an even-par total of 142. Defending champion Aaron Baddeley was also at even par through 36 holes.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2012.