Mickelson,Horschel in lead

One stroke back at level-par 140 were former World No.1 Luke Donald of England,who shot a second-round 72,compatriot Justin Rose 69 and American Steve Stricker 69,who all registered their rounds on Friday.

Donald was joining Mickelson and Horschel in the final third-round grouping as the 73 players to make the cut,set at eight over par,were going off in threesomes from the first and 11th holes.

Lurking well within range on three-over 143 were Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy,who will playing their third successive round together,joined by Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain.

Sixty-eight players returned at 7:15 a.m. 1115 GMT to complete their rounds,suspended by failing light as the tournament continued to be backed up after losing more than four hours on Thursdays opening day due to lightning and downpours.

Many contending players lost ground in Saturdays resumption as lively breezes blew across the classic layout,although 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and five-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan improved their position. Schwartzel emulated Mickelson and Horschel with a birdie at the difficult par-four 18th,playing at 501 yards,to complete a 71 and move up to one-over-par 141 for the tournament.