Mickelson grinds to stay in mix

Mickelson was hoping for a charge but the field came back to him

Defending champion Phil Mickelson signed for a third-round 73 that very much keeps him in Masters contention.

The 36-year-old American, who flirted with the cut on Friday, finished on six over after a third round that mixed two birdies with three bogeys.

But the left-hander, who also won in 2004, should be delighted as he was only four adrift by close of play.

"I'm not ready to concede. I'd rather be closer to even but over par will win this tournament," said Mickelson.

Five Live's Masters Report: Day Three

"I've just got to get closer to even. I have to make about 14 pars and four birdies. There are birdie holes.

"You can birdie the four par-fives and you can birdie a couple of par-fours. You're limited on those birdie chances and fighting for pars on the other holes."

I don't have to shoot a miraculous round but I will have to shoot something in the 60s Phil Mickelson

But it has been 17 years since the winner has come from outside the final pairing, going back to Nick Faldo's play-off victory in 1990 against Raymond Floyd.

"A lot of that is because late in the afternoon the wind dies down and it gets very calm and on the back nine the weather conditions are perfect and guys can shoot low rounds," said Mickelson.

"I think it will be different tomorrow. There's a good chance a guy who goes off early and posts a good number can possibly take the title.

"I don't feel like it's unrealistic. I've seen guys like (Jack) Nicklaus and (Gary) Player come from seven shots back and some from even further, like Jackie Burke (who won from nine back in 1956).

"I don't have to shoot a miraculous round but I will have to shoot something in the 60s."

Mickelson's playing partner on Saturday, Jose Maria Olazabal, another two-time Masters winner, posted a six-over 78 to fall to 11 over.

The Spaniard's score was almost a par round for the day as a stiff breeze, firm greens and tricky pin positions conspired to send the average score to nearly 77.