THE MASTERS RELATED STORIES The Masters Home Page The Masters Preview Round 4: Trevor Immelman seals three shot Masters victory Round 4: Upsetting collapse for Brandt Snedeker Round 4: Amen Corner takes away Steve Flesch's challenge Round 4: Tiger Woods slam bid ends at the first hurdle Round 4: Phil Mickelson rues putting mistakes Round 4: Strong finish for Miguel Angel Jimenez Round 3: Immelman leads heading into Sunday Round 3: Practice paying off for Brandt Snedeker Round 3: Zach Johnson still in with a chance Round 3: Phil Mickelson falls out of contention Round 3: Tiger poised to make Sunday charge Round 2: Immelman leads in to the weekend Round 2: Couples misses Masters cut for first time Round 2: Tiger struggles but still in contention Round 2: Risk pays off for Brandt Snedeker Round 2: Phil Mickelson well placed at five under Round 1: Rose & Immelman lead as Tiger toils Round 1: Players sets record with a "three over" Round 1: Couples struggles in pursuit of cut record Round 1: On-song Singh pursues his dream Round 1: Early flowering Rose must keep blooming Round 1: 'Fun' Augusta outing pays off for trio Round 1: Johnson pleased to be down to business Round 1: Tiger Woods not troubled by slow start Course Guide: Augusta National The Masters Scores The Masters Latest Odds and Betting Pairings and tee-times Players forecasting high-scoring championship Grand Slam talk continues at Augusta Gary Player to make Masters history India's Singh pursues a childhood dream Sabbatini confronts Par 3 curse - Woods sits it out Augusta announces initiatives to grow the game Johnson picks surf and turf for Champions dinner Johnson leaves Grand Slam talk to 'scary' Tiger Rose seeks to blossom among the azaleas Mickelson takes two leaves out of Tiger's book Harrington feeling more relaxed at Augusta Scott aiming at first Aussie Green Jacket Ernie Els drops coach Leadbetter for Harmon Tiger insists that Grand Slam is possible Masters build up begins at a slow Augusta Rivals think Tiger may be unstoppable Zach Johnson's putter back in the spotlight Monty's manager calms Augusta invitation debate Montgomerie hits out at Masters invitation policy Three Asians receive Masters invites Stenson taking break to prepare for Masters New global strategy for Masters More changes announced for Masters Masters field will remain small 2008 Masters field taking shape 2008 PGA Tour Schedule NEWS & TOUR TOP STORIES Nick Faldo receives his Knighthood LPGA wins Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge Mickelson raises expectations for 2010 Race to Dubai nears its conclusion Thousands follow Tiger Woods practice round Fans warned about fake Ryder Cup tickets COMPETITIONS, GIFTS AND OFFERS WIN a 3 night sunshine break in Spain! WIN 18 holes, dinner, B&B at Oulton Hall WIN the Official Open 2011 DVD WIN The Golf Miscellany Open Champion Tom Watson's DVD Get the Open Fairways card for just £59!

Phil Mickelson well placed at five under

Thirteen was a lucky number for Phil Mickelson when he won his first U.S. Masters in 2004 and the omens are favourable for a repeat bonus in this week’s tournament.

Four years ago, the American left-hander was fortunate not to end up in the creek guarding the front of the par-five 13th green at Augusta National.

Mickelson’s ball stayed out of the water and he took advantage of his close call by making a birdie there en route to claiming his maiden major title.

Twice this week, he has narrowly avoided landing in the same creek with his second shot, making a birdie at the 13th in the opening round followed by a par on Friday.

“I’m kind of using that as an omen,” a smiling Mickelson told reporters after charging into contention with a four-under-par 68 in the second round.

“I’ve hit two shots now, yesterday and today, that should have been in that creek and both of them stayed up.

“I think I’m going to try to play a little more left tomorrow,” added the world number two after posting a five-under total of 139 to lie three strokes off the pace.

“(Caddie) Bones (Jim Mackay) and I have chuckled because in 2004 when I hadn’t won a major, I came to 13 and hit a shot that we were sure went in the creek. It stayed up and I ended up making four.”

Masters champion in 2004 and in 2006, Mickelson birdied three of the first eight holes in calm early conditions on Friday to reach the turn in three-under 33.

As swirling winds began to strengthen, he missed a four-foot birdie putt chance at the 15th before holing a 30-footer on the 17th green to spark a huge roar from the crowd.

“I really had putted well all day except until I got to 15,” he said. “I just overplayed the break and ended up missing it.

“I had made so many good par putts and that one left a bad taste. I felt like it was a great putting round until then and to make that one on 17 was a big boost.

“At least I’m working in the right direction but I got a long ways to go,” added the three times major winner who claimed his 33rd PGA Tour title at Riviera two months ago.

“There are a few players ahead of me and there’s a bunch of strong players right behind me. It’s going to be an exciting weekend.”