The Spaniard moved to the top of the early standings with his success in Italy but the Althea Racing Ducati rider had to work hard to hold off strong challenges from British duo Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam.

Kawasaki's Sykes set a new lap record of one minute 47.552 seconds in the day's second race, but that was not enough to overhaul the Spaniard.

Having won but also crashed out in the season-opener in Australia, Checa remained upright throughout at Imola to take the overall lead back from Max Biaggi by four points.

Having secured a double victory on the same track a year ago, the omens were good for Checa although Sykes gave him plenty to think about.

Starting on pole in the second race he shot out of the blocks, but Checa held back before making his move with seven laps to go.

Pressure

Sykes did hold on to third, though, despite coming under heavy pressure from Haslam. It was a third podium finish out of four for Sykes, who sits in that position in the overall standings.

It was something of a case of deja vu for Sykes, who had also started on pole in the opening race before being hunted down.

He led the way for the majority of the opening half of the race, but Checa pounced 12 laps in and held on, with Sykes again forced into the silver position ahead of Haslam, back on the bike despite breaking a leg at Phillip Island last time out.

There was disappointment for the home crowd, though, as Biaggi was unable to keep pace on his Aprilia and finished fourth, as well as surrendering the overall lead.