Masters 2010 Leaderboard: Masters Scores Big With Westwood, Mickelson on Top

The tournament like no other with a tradition like no other had itself a day like no other on Saturday.

The third round of the 74th Masters will become a highlight film in and of itself thanks to Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, and a cast of well known contenders.

Westwood put together a near flawless performance and held himself together while the air echoed with deafening roars when Mickelson struck like a furious lightning bolt with back-to-back eagles at the 13th and 14th holes, then nearly a third straight at 15 that launched him into Sunday's final pairing with Westwood.

Westwood, seeking his first major championship, was the steadiest man among the sensational ebb and flow of the third round. Five birdies and a single bogey put him atop the heap at 204, 12-under after a nifty 68.

Mickelson's eagle two at 14 set off an old-school Arnold Palmer-type roar that had players backing off their shots all over the back nine. Phil went 3-2-4 on 13 through 15 to take the lead, then gave it back to Westwood after a bogey at 17. He finished with 67 for 205.

Sunday's final round could be incredibly exciting.

While last year's tournament seemed uninspiring with names like Angel (Cabrera), Kenny (Perry), Chad (Campbell), and a guy named Shingo (Katayama), this final round Sunday brings the big guns: Lee and Phil and a guy named Tiger who struggled Saturday but refused to fold and go away.

Woods suffered through an erratic day with his putter—and errant tee shots—yet he mustered one last laser iron at 18 and drained a four-footer for birdie and trails by only three. His 70 equalled the score of his playing partner the past three days, K.J. Choi, who is at 208 with Woods.

If Woods has any hopes of winning a fifth green jacket, he first better figure out a way to beat Choi.

History is on the side of Westwood and Mickelson. The winner of the Masters typically emerges from the final twosome. Woods has never come from behind to win a major.

"I was fighting my swing, it was a tough day," Woods lamented. "At one point I was seven back but I fought my way back."

But it was the play of Mickelson that energized the afternoon.

"I'm excited about Sunday," he said, and he has reason to be.

Mickelson made it his day. His 67 was the best score among the leaders and only the steadiness of Westwood gave the English star that single-shot edge.

The pair have only Woods and Choi close with Freddie Couples five back from Westwood, four from Mickelson after an impressive 68 (209).

But Saturday's noise, excitement, and energy came from the guy they call "Phil the Thrill."

Thrilling day, great leaderboard, the stage set for a Sunday showdown.

Masterful.