Phil Mickelson takes lead over Tiger Woods, Nick Watney at HSBC

In the quiet of the clubhouse dining room, he marveled at how much the crowds have grown in the three years he has been coming to Sheshan International. And he could only imagine what it would be like Sunday, when he played in the final group with Woods for the first time in more than four years.

Then he smiled and raised his glass in a mock toast.

"And he's got to give me one shot a side," Mickelson said.

A rivalry that was renewed six weeks ago in Atlanta continued halfway around world in China when Woods stalled with pars and Mickelson poured in three birdies over his last five holes for a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead over Woods and Nick Watney in the final World Golf Championship of the year.

"I know we are both looking forward to it," said Mickelson, who was at 14-under 202. "I think it will be a fun day, and we are excited to be playing in the last group here in China."

It will be the first time the world's top two players have been in the final group since their Duel at Doral in 2005, when Woods rallied from a two-shot deficit in the final round to win by one.

Woods wasn't terribly pleased to be in this position. He took his first outright lead of the tournament with a 15-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. After another 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th, his lead was up to two.

That turned out to be his last birdie of the round. He missed one opportunity on the par-5 14th, badly missed on a 6-foot birdie putt on the 16th and finished his round by driving into the rough and hitting his approach into the bunker on the par-5 18th, having to save par for a 2-under 70.

"I didn't putt as well as I did the first two days," said Woods, who opened with 67-67. "And the back nine, I didn't take advantage of the par 5s and 16. I hit it in there stiff and missed that one as well. Consequently, I was three shots worse."

Not to be forgotten is Watney, who completes this All-American — for that matter, all-Californian — final group. After a three-putt bogey on the 17th, the 28-year-old sank a 50-foot eagle on the 18th for a 70 to join Woods at 12-under 204.