Motorcycling: Duffus delivers leading time

THE SCOT Iain Duffus yesterday topped the practice leaderboard at the Isle of Man TT meeting after the opening two sessions. The 35-year-old from Glenrothes powered his 750cc Honda RC45 around the demanding 37.73- mile mountain course in a best time of 19min 16.1sec.

Duffus, twice a TT race winner, was delighted with his form, which signals his return to full fitness following a horrific crash during qualifying for a round of the British Championship in May last year.

Bob Jackson, on a Kawasaki, was marginally slower but ahead of Ian Lougher, a winner last year who quickly came to terms with the 500cc Honda Grand Prix bike he will ride in the Senior TT.

Nigel Davies, riding a 500cc Yamaha GP machine, was fourth fastest ahead of Michael Rutter, the favourite for victory in Saturday's opening six- lap TT Formula One race on a Honda RC45.

Sean Harris pushed his Yamaha to a 114.12mph lap to head the 250cc practice session, while Denis McCullough, with a 105.02mph lap, was the fastest 125cc rider.