PHIL Mickelson powered clear of the field to win the 2010 Masters at Augusta with a superb final round of 67.
Overnight leader Lee Westwood, American Anthony Kim, Korea’s KJ Choi, resurgent 50-year-old Fred Couples and of course world number one Tiger Woods all threatened at some stage during an incredible final round, but in the end it was Mickelson who secured a third Green Jacket with a 16-under-par aggregate of 272.
The left-hander mixed sublime brilliance with the odd stroke of good fortune in his birdie-free closing round, making outrageous escapes from deep in the trees on the 9th and 10th holes yet almost making eagles at the 13th and 15th with some of the best shot-making of an extraordinary week.
A birdie at the 12th was almost followed by an eagle at the 13th when Mickelson played an audacious shot from between two towering pine trees and to within six feet of the pin to set up an eagle chance.
The putt missed, but when Mickelson picked up another birdie two holes later after a second shot to 10 feet on the par-5 15th he went three shots clear and gained control of the tournament.
Lee Westwood’s unblemished ball striking from the first three rounds deserted him on a perfect Sunday afternoon in Augusta, as he struggled from the tee and failed to put pressure on his playing partner when he did have opportunities.
Missed birdie putts on the 15th and 16th put him behind, but a brave birdie on the 17th kept the tournament alive going down the final hole before Mickelson’s stunning shot to 12 feet from the rough put the result beyond doubt.
World number one Tiger Woods again struggled with his ball striking and the four-times Masters champion made three bogeys in his first five holes.
A holed second shot for an eagle on the par-4 7th sparked a resurgence, with birdies following on the 8th and 9th to see him leap back into contention.
A bogey from the trees on 11 was nearly prevented after an incredible recovery shot, while an uncharacteristic three-putt from five feet on the 14th saw Woods drop his fifth shot of the round.
An eagle on the 15th and birdies on 13 and 18 ensure the world number one finished tied for fourth alongside playing partner KJ Choi.
Choi himself threatened to run away with the tournament after four birdies in his first 10 holes as his putter caught fire, but a disappointing final stretch restricted him to a final round 69.
Anthony Kim also threatened despite having started seven shots out of the lead: he went out in 34 then went birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie from the 13th to the 16th for a round of 65 that earned him sole possession of third place. (Eurosport).