Mickelson optimistic about wife's outlook

Phil Mickelson had reason for optimism Thursday when he said doctors believe they discovered his wife's breast cancer early.

Amy Mickelson, who learned of the breast cancer last week, went through extensive testing this week.

"We have a wonderful team of doctors helping us, and it is believed that we caught this early," Mickelson said on his Web site. "We are anxiously waiting for a number of test results that will help guide us in the best possible direction."

Mickelson has taken an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour as he learns the extent of his 37-year-old wife's health.

Crowne Plaza Invitational: Vijay Singh stopped playing at the Colonial Country Club when Annika Sorenstam showed up in 2003. He's finally back - and among the leaders.

Singh shot a 6-under 64 on Thursday, leaving him a stroke behind Woody Austin, Tim Clark and Steve Stricker after the first round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas.

"This is a good way to start a tournament," Singh said.

Singh played the event all but once from 1996-2002. He was scheduled to return in '03, then withdrew after making comments critical of the decision to allow a woman into the field. The gallery mocked his absence that week (his name on the side of chicken hats, T-shirts that read, "Singh a different tune, Vijay"), but folks seemed to have forgiven and forgotten Thursday.

He heard cheers when he birdied five straight holes in the middle of his round and people groaned along with him when he hit the flagstick on his 15th hole. The good vibe likely was aided by his pairing with Kenny Perry, a two-time champion, and Brian Gay, who was born in Fort Worth and considers this his favorite course.

Singh described the support from the gallery as "no more than I had last week."

"I haven't been playing well so they've been very quiet," he said, laughing. "Maybe they're going to start making noise here soon."

Singh and Perry walked off their final green leading the field. It didn't last, though, because Austin came in at 63 soon after, then Clark followed. All left for lunch expecting more low scores to come in because of the light winds and soft greens, but Stricker was the only player from the afternoon groups to join them.

Rory Sabbatini shot a 71 to open his bid to sweep the Dallas and Forth Worth events, something only done by Ben Hogan in 1946.

Paul Casey, playing his first tournament since moving up to No. 3 in the world rankings, opened with a 66.

European Open: Anders Hansen eagled his 17th hole in a 7-under 65 that gave him 1-stroke lead after the first round of the European Open in Ash, England.