Superbikes: Rea wins first race in Thailand

The Ballyclare man, riding for Kawasaki Racing Team, dominated the 20-lap encounter at the all new Chang International circuit in Buriram.

Leon Haslam and Tom Sykes joined the former Larne Grammar pupil on the podium.

Rea, who was joint series leader going into Sunday’s opening race, led from the off and won by a 6.329s margin.

Sykes made a great start from the second row, shadowing his Kawasaki team-mate for the opening few turns before being passed by Haslam.