World Superbikes: Rea wins first race at Phillip Island

Jonathan Rea has won 16 races in his World Superbike career

Jonathan Rea made a winning debut for Kawasaki as he clinched victory in the first race of the World Superbike series in Australia.

The Northern Ireland man beat Aprilia's Leon Haslam to the flag after a thrilling final lap at Phillip Island.

In the second race of the day, Rea was runner-up to Londoner Haslam so the pair share the lead on 45 points after the opening WSB round.

Chaz Davies of Wales, riding for Ducati, was third in both races.

Rea had sealed first place on the grid with the fastest time in a curtailed Superpole on Saturday.

Rea has now achieved 16 victories in his 142 World Superbike starts.

The 27-year-old, from Ballyclare but now living on the Isle of Man, signed for Kawasaki after leaving the Pata Honda team last year.