MV Agusta’s Jules Cluzel cruised to the World Supersport win at Phillip Island, crossing the line more than three seconds ahead of team-mate Lorenzo Zanetti while Gino Rea pipped fellow Brit Kyle Smith to the last podium spot by just 0.032s.

Frenchman Cluzel wasn’t really troubled after title rival Kenan Sofuoglu ran straight on at Doohan Corner early doors after touching Smith, going across the grass and gravel at 120mph to re-join down in 19th place, eventually fighting back to sixth.

Rea was in a race-long scrap with Smith, Rattapark Wilairot and, briefly, Luca Mahais who had third in the bag until he was forced to retire. As the laps clicked down, Smith got himself into the lead ahead of Rea but the pair were locked together on the last lap as Thailand’s Wilairot waited to pick up the pieces.

Smith led until the braking area at MG where Rea just went under him but ran wide and Smith tried to pass as they turned left. Rea was having none of it, however, and turned across Smith as they exited the last corner to take the final podium spot.

Rea only tested for one day before the weekend and had to go for surgery on the second day as a bolt in his foot had come loose. Smith, meanwhile, only say his Pata Honda for the first time on Monday.

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