Davies Sees World Superbikes Title Hopes Suffer Blow In Rain-Hit Sepang

Chaz Davies saw his hopes of cutting his World Superbikes title deficit dashed in a rain-lashed Malaysian round.

The Knighton-born flier came home fourth having been lying second with just a few laps left in Sepang.

But rival and brother-in-law Jonathan Rea’s third place was enough to move him 42 points ahead with the next round at Donington Park.

Davies had overtaken Rea’s Kawasaki nine laps into the 16-lap race which got underway despite several riders say it should be delayed to allow the track to dry more.

But the 29-year-old was first overtaken by Ducati team-mate Davide Giugliano who went on to finish second behind American Nicky Hayden.

And with just over two laps left, Rea found a way past his pal to take a vital podium spot and grab a few more points in their title battle.

Davies had finished third in Saturday’s first race behind winner Tom Sykes – who was eighth on Sunday – and Rea.

The 2015 runner-up Davies will now have to hit back at his home round in two weeks time if he wants to keep any hopes of catching Rea

Hayden’s victory was the American 2006 MotoGP champ’s first since his switch to World Superbikes this season with Honda.