Love Tops Americans

Phil Mickelson made a brilliant shot to advance to the American finals of the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. Then he was beaten by one that was almost as good.

With winds gusting off Lake Oconee from an approaching storm, Davis Love III put his tee shot within 2 feet of the cup on the second extra hole and knocked in the birdie putt to beat Mickelson for the U.S. title in the match-play event.

Mickelson, in his semifinal match against Fred Couples, with the two golfers tied heading to the par-5 18th hole, hit his 228-yard second shot to within six inches of the cup, just short of a double-eagle. Couples couldn’t match the effort.