PHILLIP ISLAND – Spain’s Carlos Checa rode his Ducati to the fastest time in the first qualifying session for Sunday’s two races in the opening round of the World Superbike Championship.

Checa completed a lap of the 4.445-kilometre  circuit on Phillip Island just south of Melbourne in one minute, 31.577 seconds yesterday.

Sylvain Guintoli of France was second in 1:31.850, followed by Ireland’s Eugene Laverty in 1:31.969 and defending world champion Max Biaggi of Italy in 1:32.009.

Leon Haslam of Britain, who won the second Phillip Island race last year, was the sixth-fastest qualifier.

There will be three Superpole qualifying rounds Saturday ahead of Sunday’s 22-lap races.