Mickelson two back in Singapore

Phil Mickelson trails by two shots after the first round of the Singapore Open.

Singapore - Phil Mickelson, the world No. 2, shot a three- under 68 on Thursday to trail the lead by two shots after the first round of the Singapore Open.

Jin Park, Kane Webber and Gavin Flint share first place at five-under 66 at Sentosa Golf Club. Angelo Que of the Phillipines is alone in fourth place at minus-four.

Mickelson, who has historically skipped playing late in the year, made the trek to Singapore this week. He started on the 10th tee Thursday and tallied six birdies, a double-bogey and a bogey.

Mickelson was joined in fifth place by two-time PGA Tour winner in 2007 K.J. Choi and Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka.

Richard Lee, Anthony Kang and Gary Simpson share eighth place at minus-two.

Two-time defending champion Adam Scott, who played with Mickelson on Thursday, and three-time major winner Vijay Singh are part of a group tied for 11th place at minus-one.

Reigning U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke are among those tied for 24th at even-par 71.

Ernie Els, who leads the European Tour Order of Merit, only managed a one- over-par 72 on Thursday.

Popularity: 3% [?]