Westwood well placed as Kaymer struggles to find range

Kaymer needs to win or share second place with no more than one other player if he, rather than the absent Lee Westwood, is to succeed Tiger Woods when the American's 281-week reign ends on Monday.

But the 25-year-old German could only add a second-round 74 to his opening 72 to lie four over par, well adrift of halfway leader and Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell.

Kaymer was one under for his round after seven holes after chipping in for a second birdie of the day on the seventh, but then dropped shots at the ninth, 14th, 16th and 18th.

McDowell, who secured the decisive point for Europe at Celtic Manor earlier this month, added a 67 to his opening 68 courtesy of a superb back nine of 32.

At seven under, the US Open champion is two shots clear of fellow Northern Irishman Gareth Maybin, with Sweden's Niclas Fasth a further two shots back after a 66.

Fasth, seeking a first European Tour title since 2007, said: "It is a lovely score. I am very pleased and somewhat surprised because my game is not so solid, but my putting and my short game were sensational.

"On this course you need to have a good short game even if you are in great form. I have had another tough season this year, but it's getting better at the end and here I have found a bit of spark, a bit of energy."

It was a day to forget for all three of Yorkshire's competitors with Simon Dyson faring the worst.

The Malton-based golfer carded a second round 81 to add to his first-day score of 74.

Harrogate's John Parry also endured a nightmare second day to return to the clubhouse with 78, seeing him miss the cut by one stroke. Hull's Richard Finch fared little better, scoring 77 to finish one shot behind Parry.

American Ben Crane posted the best score of the day to move into a share of the lead at the CMB Asia Pacific Classic at Mines Resort and Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur.

The 34-year-old fired seven birdies and did not drop a shot en route to a seven-under-par second round of 64 to join Pariya Junhasavasdikul on 11 under at the top of the leaderboard.

The duo lead Ricky Barnes and Ryan Moore by a stroke at the halfway stage. Overnight leader Barnes added a 69 to his opening 64 while Moore carded a 68.