On a day in which the oppressive heat sapped the strength of even the strongest players, Jamie Donaldson held on to a two-shot lead in the second round of the Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Golf and Country Club on Friday.
The Welsh Ryder Cup star fired a four-under 68 to keep two clear of a charging Martin Kaymer who moved into second spot with an excellent seven-under 65, the best round of the day.
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Spain's Sergio Garcia, who shot 69, led the chasing pack a further two strokes behind, along with the impressive English youngster Matthew Fitzpatrick who shot an excellent 67 and Thailand's Chinnarat Phadungsil with a 69.
In joint sixth place were Korea's Byeong-Hun An with a 67, and Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat who shot 66.
One of the pre-tournament favourites, big-hitting Bubba Watson, was some way back after shooting a 70.
Defending champion Lee Westwood felt he was still in with a chance after shooting a 68, although he is well behind the leaders.
Thai fans were pleased to see their local hero Thongchai Jaidee have a much better second round, ensuring he would make the cut and climb the leaderboard after shooting a five-under 67.