Kaymer caught by Spieth at Sawgrass

Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer was joined by Jordan Spieth at the top of The Players Championship leaderboard as the third round began in Florida.

Kaymer, seeking a first win for 18 months, held a two shot advantage after his course record-equalling 63 on Thursday and was five clear of the field when he added a 69 on Friday for a halfway total of 132, 12 under par.

But that lead was cut to a single shot by rising star Spieth, the American the only player in the field without a single bogey in the first 36 holes, and the Masters Tournament runner-up drew level when Kaymer bogeyed the fourth after missing the green.

Lee Westwood had moved into a share of third on eight under after an eagle from four feet at the long second.

The Englishman bogeyed the fifth, but holed a 12 footer at the next to re-join Matt Jones and George McNeill.

Another European Ryder Cup star, Francesco Molinari, was a shot further back after a third round 67, with Sergio Garcia alongside him after two birdies and a bogey in his first seven holes.