Woods favourite to win US Open

World number one Tiger Woods is favourite to win the 106th US Open at Winged Foot in New York. But Phil Mickelson is among those looking to tame The Tiger as the world number two goes in search of his third successive Major triumph having won the US PGA and US Masters titles. Woods has not played since the death of his father Earl on May 3 but has insisted that he is ready to return after a nine-week lay-off and go in search of his 11th Major title. The 30-year-old, who is certain to receive plenty of vocal support from the noisy New York crowds, said: 'I'm here to compete and try to win this championship. I know Dad would have wanted me to give it my best and that's what I'm trying to do.... 'If you are not mentally ready to play you're not going to be there. I'm here to win the tournament and all my energy is going towards that. If you are not 100 per cent focused then there is no need to go and play. 'My day thought I played too much anyway because of the things I have to deal with. He was always telling me to take time off so I think he would have approved.' Mickelson, who has three time finished as a runner-up at the US Open (in 1999, 2002 and 2004), has insisted that he is not thinking about sealing a hat-trick of Majors in New York before going for the so-called 'Mickelslam' at Royal Hoylake. The 35-year-old American, who has won three times in his last nine majors starts and recorded four other top-ten finishes said: 'I'm just trying to win one, I'm not trying to win three. 'I've had some success in this event where I've come close, losing by a shot or two. I know I can play well in this tournament even though it doesn't necessarily fit my perception of how I've played with the thick rough and so forth. 'I've still had success here and all I'm trying to do is be successful on this one golf course at this one event.' However, away from the big names, history is being made, with Madalitso Muthiya becoming the first Zambian to compete in the second Major of the year. At 15 Hawaiian teenager Tadd Fujikawa has become the youngest player ever to compete in the US Open and he is relishing his chance to play at Winged Foot. Fujikawa told reporters: 'Who wouldn't be excited? It's the Open. It doesn't matter what age you are, 15, 20, 50. It's definitely a great thrill for me.' The teenage sensation added: 'I was born three-and-a-half months premature. I think the doctors said that I had probably a 50 per cent chance of living. 'I think that it's really something special that I'm actually here, alive, not only at the US Open, but just talking to everybody, and I guess being alive right now.'

ITN | June 15, 2006

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