SAN DIEGO • Rocco Mediate outplayed Tiger Woods on Sunday.

But it was Woods with the biggest shot of the day. And because Woods plays under pressure better than any athlete ever, Mediate must do the seemingly unthinkable – outplay Woods on back-to-back days.

Outplay Woods today and the 45-year-old will win the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

It would be Mediate’s first major championship. It would prevent Woods from winning his 14th.

“I bet you didn’t think I’d be here today, did you?” Mediate said as he prepared for the post-round interview. “You didn’t think I’d be here.”

Mediate’s good-natured pokes at the assembled media and his own game have become commonplace over the past week. His carefree, happy-go-lucky attitude won over thousands. He’s without a doubt the sentimental favorite.

He’s not chiseled and polished like Woods. He doesn’t have Woods’ game. But he’s more vivacious than the calculated and often reserved Woods. Mediate sported black pants and a black shirt Sunday. His belt was black, too. The buckle was a silver peace sign.

Chants of “Let’s go Rocco!” blended in with “Rocco! Rocco!” as he played the last four holes. The gallery on 17 might have given Mediate the loudest cheer. Mediate, who shot an even-par 71, gave them an “aww, shucks” wave and grinned big.

“Roc is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet,” said Woods, who had a 2-over 73. “He’s been a friend of mine ever since I’ve been out here on tour. We’ll talk, but we’ll also understand we’re trying to win a U.S. Open. And we’ll have our moments where we’ll go our separate ways and be focused for each and every shot.”

Woods has more supporters at Torrey Pines. That’s a given with one of the planet’s more popular athletes. But few will be upset if Mediate pulls off the improbable today.

“I have nothing left right now,” Mediate said. “I’m toast. It was the most amazing day of golf I’ve ever experienced. Tomorrow is going to be pretty amazing, too. But today was absolutely remarkable.

“The thing that’s most amazing is the man I’m going to play tomorrow has won 13 of these. It’s amazing how much it takes. I gave all of what I had today, and I can’t complain. I knew he’d make that putt.”

C’mon now. Who didn’t?

Tiger Woods lining up a 12-foot putt? On 18? A putt that sends the U.S. Open into an 18-hole playoff? That after spraying the ball all over the course?

You knew it was going in. The only question was how dramatic would the roll be.

Mediate said winning would’ve been the story of his life. This is just another chapter in Woods’ book.

“I’m playing against a monster,” Mediate said. “I got to get excited to play. You get to play against the best player that ever played. Whatever happens happens. I’m happy that I’m here, and I will give it everything I have and see what we do.”

Woods is 2-0 in playoffs in majors. This is Mediate’s first. Woods is the world’s No. 1. Mediate is No. 158. Woods has 64 career victories. Mediate has five.

“This week has been a total dream,” Mediate said. “Heck, I missed eight of the first 10 cuts I played this year on tour.”

Mediate was finishing his news conference as Woods entered the interview area. He looked at Woods, smiled and said, “You better watch yourself tomorrow, pal. See, he’s a little nervous right now. He’s nervous.”

Woods smiled, too. Undoubtedly, there was little nervousness on his part, if any. Woods has been in pressure situations before.

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