NEIL Hodgson's lead in the British Superbike Championship has been slashed to just one point after Chris Walker scored a double win at Knockhill.
The Burnley rider could only manage a second and sixth on his INS Ducati after struggling with an overheating rear tyre -- and the blistering pace of Walker.
The opening heat saw Hodgson grab the lead, pulling out a comfortable lead on the National Tyres Sukuki rider.
But Walker began to reel in the Ducati, and on lap 16 'The Stalker' forced his machine through on the inside of the hairpin to take the win.
Hodgson was gracious in defeat, however, admitting he was beaten by the better man on the day.
"I had nothing left, if I'd gone any faster I'd have crashed the bike. We chose too soft a tyre and paid the price for it.
"But at the end of the day it was more important to finish second and retain my championship lead."
Championship standings: 1: Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 284pts; 2: Chris Walker (Suzuki) 283; 3: John Reynolds (Ducati) 272.
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