Brookes edges ahead in title race

Josh Brookes claimed a two-point lead in the British Superbike Championship with a dramatic last-corner win in Sunday's second race at Assen.

The Tyco Suzuki rider claimed the narrow advantage in the standings over race one winner Shane Byrne.

Having finished as runner-up to Byrne in race one in Holland, Brookes ensured the roles were reversed in race two as he bulldozed his way past his title rival in the final left-hander of the chicane and then won the dash to the line.

"It was a good feeling to win that one," said Brookes.

"I got into the rhythm and was able to make the pass on Shakey but he came back on me and we were going at it for the win.

"I waited until the last corner before the chicane as that was my best chance, I made the apex clean and was delighted to get the win."

In the first race Byrne overcame the discomfort of his shoulder injury to power his Kawasaki to a fifth victory of the season ahead of Brookes, with Alex Lowes a strong third for WFR Honda.

"I would be lying if I said the shoulder injury was a big problem but in two places where you change position on the bike quickly it kicked in, even so I was able to gap Josh and take the result," said Byrne.

"It is a great feeling and winning a race like this makes the pain go away for a while."

Defending champion Tommy Hill's start to the title showdown proved disastrous as he was sidelined from the first race by a incident on the grid as he collided with a mechanic.

Hill started from the pitlane but was later forced to retire, while he could only manage fourth in race two.

Lowes also took third in the second race to claim his first double podium finish.

Brookes leads the six-rider showdown standings on 570 points, ahead of Byrne (568) and Hill (548). Lowes is in fourth on 534 points, ahead of Michael Laverty (532) and Tommy Bridewell (521).