Mickelson expects to overtake Woods
World number two Phil Mickelson believes he will eventually overtake Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings despite missing the opportunity at the weekend.
With Woods finishing a woeful 18-over-par at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational the left-hander could have overhauled his compatriot but blew his chance with a disappointing final round.
However, he has another chance this week with the final Major of the year - the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
Victory at Whistling Straits will make him number one, while second will do if Woods - 78th out of 80 yesterday - is outside the top three.
Should Mickelson be third Woods will have to be in the top 11 to hold him off, while fourth will do if Woods is outside the top 46.
"It will eventually happen, I believe," said Mickelson, who has been second for a record 258 weeks.
"I've got to play better golf, though.
"I haven't really played a lot of competitive golf in the last six, eight weeks.
"It showed (at Akron) and I've got a lot to work on in the next couple of days."
Woods will meet Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin later this week as the likelihood of him playing at Celtic Manor in October has decreased significantly.
Even a good performance at the US PGA may not be enough to persuade the 14-time major winner to play in Wales.
America's Ryder Cup qualifying race ends at Whistling Straits this Sunday.
Woods is 10th on the table, but only the leading eight earn automatic places.
Like predecessor Paul Azinger, Pavin is to take three weeks before naming his four wild cards.
But no matter how much he might wants Woods - and that is debatable given how well Azinger's side did without him - Woods may not want to play.
The match has never been a huge priority for him and with his mind seemingly elsewhere and his form at an all-time low, albeit with the contest still seven weeks away, it would be no great surprise to see him opt out.
Asked if he wanted to play he replied before leaving Akron: "Not playing like this, definitely not, not playing like this.
"I mean, I wouldn't help the team if I'm playing like this. No-one would help the team if they're shooting 18 over par."
On whether he would pick himself Woods said: "I think I can turn it around, but we've got a lot of time between now and then, which is good."
After taking four months off when his sex scandal came to light last November another extended break cannot be ruled out.
"I don't know," he commented when that possibility was put to him.
"I'm just going to be ready for Thursday."
