Chaz Davies was fourth fastest after opening World Superbikes practice as rival Tom Sykes suffered a blown engine in Qatar.

The Knighton-born rider is level on points with the Yorkshireman but ahead on countback in the battle to finish runner-up in the standings.

Sykes forced the second session under the floodlights at Losail to be red flagged briefly after his Kawasaki engine suffered a blow out.

The 2013 world champ still just about finish ahead of Davies’ Ducati in the time-sheers by 0.2 secs.

Davies’ best time on the Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale R of one minute 58.136seconds was set in the second session.

The 28-year-old won both races of the season finale in the desert last season.

Already crowned three-time world champ Jonathan Rea was fastest on his Kawasaki ahead of Alex Lowes.

Rea topped the time-sheets in both practice sessions going into the opening race which takes place on Friday.