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 The German, who tied the course record with a sizzling
nine-under-par 63 on Thursday, followed up with a 69 to post a
12-under total of 132 in the PGA Tour's flagship event widely
regarded as the unofficial fifth major.
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 increase his overnight lead 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.
"I had a couple of nice up-and-downs and two longer putts went in,
so I think I kept it really well together. Overall, 12 under par.
I'm very pleased.
 "It was a little difficult today. I thought it was already gusty in
the morning, and the pin positions were a little bit tougher than
yesterday."
Kaymer, whose only PGA Tour victory came at the highest level with
his playoff win at the 2010 PGA Championship, birdied two of the
last four holes to finish five strokes in front of late starter
Russell Henley, who was alone in second overnight.
Tour veteran Jim Furyk was a further shot back at six under after
carding a 68 in the second round, one ahead of fellow American Bill
Haas (71), Australia's John Senden (69) and Englishman Brian Davis
(67).
GAINING CONFIDENCE
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.
"I have had a lot of good finishes," said the former world number
one.
"The way I have played golf, I am very happy over the last four or
five weeks especially, so the next step is just putting yourself in
contention, and hopefully win.
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"If not, it's okay. But as long as you put yourself in contention
for the next few weeks, especially now we're coming up to the U.S.
Open, British Open ... it would be nice to gain even more
confidence."
Australian world number two Adam Scott, one of four players
competing at the Players Championship who could dislodge the absent
Tiger Woods from the top spot after Sunday's final round, flirted
with the cutline after carding a 67.
Scott, who needs to finish no worse than joint 16th this week to
become number one for the first time, rebounded from a dismal
opening 77 but was one shot outside the projected cut, at level-par
144, when he finished the second round.
Woods, who won this event last year, is a notable absentee while
continuing his recovery from back surgery.
(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Gene Cherry)
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