Melandri rides to double victory in Sepang

Marco Melandri (right) hugs his Aprilia team-mate Slyvian Guintoli after winning Race 1 of the World Superbike Championship at Sepang International Circuit on Sunday. The Italian also won Race 2 for a double victory. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The Star

SEPANG: Italian Marco Melandri raced to a double victory in the sixth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Sepang International Circuit.

The Aprilia rider, who started from fifth spot, rode brilliantly on Sunday to snatch his first win of the season in Race 1 in 33:42.359 over 16 laps. Team-mate Sylvain Guintoli of France finished second, 0.620 seconds behind, while Eugene Laverty of Ireland finished third, 12.865 seconds behind astride a Suzuki.