Howell tops Mickelson in playoff

Charles Howell III finally ended that nasty habit of finishing second, making three clutch pars in a playoff for a dramatic victory over Phil Mickelson in the Nissan Open on Sunday.

Howell closed with a 6-under 65 and got into a playoff when Mickelson bogeyed the 18th hole of Riveria Country Club in Los Angeles. Howell put away the two-time Masters champion with his third straight par save, holing a 3-foot putt on the 14th hole.

It was only the second victory of his career, and Howell had been haunted by nine runner-up finishes since winning the now-defunct Michelob Championship in the fall of 2002. He already had two runner-up finishes in four starts this year, including three weeks ago against Tiger Woods down the coast at Torrey Pines.

Mickelson, bidding for his second straight victory, had control throughout the playoff until coming up short of the green on the par-3 14th. He opted for putter, but it took a high hop leaving the blade and stopped 10 feet short. The par putt missed to the right. Howell also was short, but his chip came out nicely just beyond the cup.

Mickelson closed with a 68 to match Howell at 16-under 268.

Aside from finally getting his hands on another trophy, Howell accomplished his first goal of 2007. The victory all but assures he can return to the Masters in April because the Augusta native will climb into top 25 in the world ranking.

Ernie Els (67), Jim Furyk (67) and Robert Allenby (68) tied for third at 13 under.

Champions Tour

Tom Watson won the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am for his first professional victory in Florida, closing with a 1-under 70 in cold and windy conditions for a one-stroke margin over Jay Haas and Andy Bean.

The round was played in temperatures reaching the low 40s, with 30 mph gusts.

Watson, the five-time British Open champion who entered the week 0-for-93 as a pro in Florida, finished at 4-under 209 for his ninth career Champions Tour title. Haas shot a 69, and Bean closed with a 72.

-- The Associated Press