Superbikes: Biaggi boosts title hopes with double

Max Biaggi scored a superb double victory at Monza yesterday to close the gap on Britain's Leon Haslam in the Superbike World Championship title race.

The Italian showed his class in front of his home fans, battling to win the first before easing to victory in race two. Biaggi's win moves him to within three points of series leader Haslam, who finished fourth and second for Alstare Suzuki.

Biaggi was out in front for most of race one but was under pressure throughout from the British trio James Toseland, Cal Crutchlow and Haslam.

A first-corner accident marred the start of race two, with Toseland, Jonathan Rea and Rubé*Xaus all eliminated.

Crutchlow then retired after a mechanical failure, freeing Biaggi to race to victory, with Haslam finishing second and Troy Corser claiming third.