AFP

London, Mar 23: Phil Mickelson is poised to unseat Tiger Woods as the world's top-ranking golfer for the first time in his career. 

Neither was in action last week, but the gap between the two has dwindled to a mere 0.2 points due mainly to Woods eight-month layoff for knee surgery, but also to Mickelson's own form so far this year.

Woods has been world No.1 for the last 198 weeks taking over from Vijay Singh, and for a total of 540 weeks in his career. Mickelson has never filled the top spot in the rankings.

This week Woods continues his Masters preparation by playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill.

If he fails to finish in the top two Mickelson, not in action again, would then have a chance to topple him at next week's Houston Open.

Latest leading world rankings:-

1. Tiger Woods (USA) 8.86 points
2. Phil Mickelson (USA) 8.66
3. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 7.53
4. Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 6.36
5. Padraig Harrington (IRL) 5.91
6. Vijay Singh (FIJ) 5.86
7. Camilo Villegas (COL) 4.94
8. Robert Karlsson (SWE) 4.88
9. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 4.87
10 . Kenny Perry (USA) 4.83.