Desert Classic: Phil Mickelson remains two shots before third round

Mickelson had 22 birdies and an eagle during the first three rounds. Dorsert Classic third-round leaderboard-22 P Mickelson (USA); -20 A Hadwin (Can); -19 A Long (USA); -18 S Marino (USA); -17 M Thompson (USA), P Cantlay (USA) Other selected: -16 J Rahm (Spa); -13 R Knox (Sco); -12 J Rose Missed cut: -7 M Laird (Sco); +1 D Willett (Eng); +2 S Power (Ire)

Phil Mickelson stayed two shots ahead of the final round of the Desert Classic in California after a six-under-pari 67 on the stadium course.

The 48-year-old five-time big winner, who has led since carding a career-the best 60 on the first day, had six birdies in a bogey-free round to reach 22 under.

Adam Hadwin was second after a 65 at the Nicklaus course and Adam Long is the third after two eagles in a 63 at La Quinta.

World number one Justin Rose is after a third consecutive 68 at 12 under.

After three rounds past the three different courses, the remaining players play the Sunday final round on the stadium course after the 54-hole competition.

Mickelson got off the green in sixth place for the first of three consecutive birdies.

Canadian Hadwin, who placed a 59 on La Quinta in this event in 2017, put the club house ahead after four birdies on the back nine in a bogey-free round.

With an opening of 34 feet to match him, Mickelson played a fantastic escape to five feet from the 19-foot deep bunker on the 16th to miss the bird opportunity, but he reconciled with a remarkable 38-footer for a birdie two at the next.