Golf: Howell Sets Up Mickelson Clash

The transformation of David Howell from promising European tour stalwart into a significant figure in world golf continued apace when the Englishman eased into the third round of the World Match Play Championship yesterday with an impressive 3&2 victory over the combative American Scott Verplank. At this rate he may actually make an impression on the man he will meet on the 1st tee later today.

"I have played him before; I just can’t remember specifically where or when," said Phil Mickelson before rediscovering his usual diplomacy. "He’s a top player, in the top 20 in the world; a talented individual and I face a tough match."

The American can be forgiven his memory lapse, not least because his ultimate assessment of Howell was spot-on. Three years ago, no one could have predicted the extent of his rise. Over that period he has starred in one Ryder Cup, led the Masters, beaten Tiger Woods in a head-to-head contest in the final round of a tournament - the Tournament of Champions last December - and climbed to No14 in the world rankings. He is guaranteed to be a member of Ian Woosnam’s Ryder Cup team at the K Club, and almost as certain to make a significant contribution to the European effort.

Verplank may not be the most illustrious of players but he is no mug. Nevertheless he was dispatched with relative ease by Howell’s run of four birdies in five holes up to the 16th. "You are going to struggle to lose playing like that," the Englishman said afterwards, which may qualify as the understatement of the season.

The problem for Howell is that he may have to produce a similar brand of golf to beat his next opponent, who reached today’s third round courtesy of a 2&1 victory over John Daly. The Arkansan signed a new equipment deal this week, which no doubt provided a tremendous boost to his bank balance. However, it appears to have done nothing for his game. He still hits the ball miles but the problem yesterday was on several occasions it flew 30 yards right of its intended direction.

Mickelson, by contrast, was in control of his game. An eagle on the par-five 11th hole proved to be the turning point. It can safely be assumed that he carries the hopes and dreams of the tournament organizers with him, not least because a victory over Howell would take Mickelson one step nearer a match against Tiger Woods, who beat Robert Allenby on the final hole of their second-round match.

Among those who will be taking no further part at La Costa is Colin Montgomerie, who succumbed 3&2 to Shingo Katayama of Japan. "I played badly and putted badly. End of story," he said afterwards.