Martin Kaymer fired a round-of-the-day 65 to move within two shots of leader Jamie Donaldson at the halfway stage of the Thailand Golf Championship.
The German posted eight birdies in sweltering conditions at Amata Springs Country Club, where Sergio Garcia, Matt Fitzpatrick and European Tour Rookie of the Year Byeong Hun An all stayed in contention.
Kaymer, looking for his first win since last year’s US Open, posted back-to-back birdies from the 11th before bouncing back from his sole blemish at the 14th after finding the rough with a gain at the par-four 18th.
The world No 27 picked up three shots in as many holes from the second and added two further gains to sit in a strong position heading in to the weekend.
Last week’s Ho Tram Open champion Sergio Garcia opened with back-to-back birdies on his way to a three-under 69 to sit in a tie for third, with Fitzpatrick alongside him after a birdie-filled finish to his second round 67. BMW PGA winner Byeong Hun An lies five shots back as he chases a second victory of the year.
