PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida — Ice-cool Martin Kaymer produced a controlled display to stay in front of the chasing pack at the Players Championship Friday, but American Jordan Spieth was in hot pursuit just one shot behind. Germany's Kaymer, who tied the course record with a sizzling nine-under-par 63 Thursday, followed up with a second-round 69 to post a 12-under total of 132 in the PGA Tour's flagship event widely regarded as the unofficial fifth major. Young gun Spieth, at 20 one of the most exciting prospects in the game, fired a superb bogey-free 66 to occupy second place with compatriot Russell Henley (71) a further three strokes back at eight under. Breezy weather on another hot day at the TPC Sawgrass made the par-72 Stadium Course a more difficult prospect for the players, and Kaymer was delighted to remain at the top after mixing five birdies with two bogeys. “I didn't hit as many fairways as yesterday but I managed my way quite nicely around the golf course,” the 29-year-old from Dusseldorf told reporters after covering the back nine in two-under 34. Kaymer has not won a tournament since the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa at the end of 2012, but has gained confidence from his improving form over the past month. Kaymer birdied two of the last four holes to seize an early five-stroke lead before that was trimmed by Spieth in the afternoon. Tour veteran Jim Furyk was at six under after carding a 68, level with fellow American Gary Woodland, US Open champion Justin Rose, former world number one Lee Westwood and Spaniard Sergio Garcia who all posted 71s. Australian world No. 2 Adam Scott, one of four players competing at the Players Championship who could dislodge the absent Woods from the top spot after Sunday's final round, made the cut right on the number after carding a 67. Woods, who won this event last year, is continuing his recovery from back surgery. Scott, who needs to finish no worse than joint 16th this week to become No. 1 for the first time, rebounded from a dismal opening 77 to finish at even-par 144, level with Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (74). McIlroy appeared likely to miss the cut after staggering to the turn in a woeful six-over 42 but he birdied four of the last seven holes, sinking a 12-footer on the 18th green, to qualify for the third round. British Open champion Phil Mickelson, a five-time major winner, missed the cut for a second consecutive year. Madeira event cut to 36 holes The Madeira Islands Open has been reduced to 36 holes after persistent fog caused more delays Saturday. Organizers had already cut the tournament to 54 holes after the thick fog that has shrouded the Santo da Serra course forced play to be completely abandoned Thursday and caused long delays Friday. Only half the field had completed its first rounds when play was suspended Friday and the fog caused another delay shortly after the restart Saturday. It is the first time since the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship in 2012 that a European Tour event is reduced to 36 holes. Scott Henry of Scotland held a one-shot clubhouse lead after a 5-under 67 Friday. — Agencies
