Cal Crutchlow needs just six points from the final round in Portugal to wrap up the World Supersport title after finishing second to Kawasaki's Joan Lascorz at Magny-Cours.

Crutchlow entered the race just two points ahead of Eugene Laverty in the standings, but a fall for the Parkalgar Honda rider mid-way through the race would very nearly hand the title to the Yamaha rider, who now requires just an tenth place finish at Portimao to seal victory.

Indeed, Crutchlow very nearly completed his objective one round early had he been able to get on terms with long-time leader Lascorz, but what was shaping up to be a thrilling end to the race was halted by an oil-related stoppage.

Prior to that, the title battle looked to be going down to the wire with barely anything to separate the two protagonists as Crutchlow and Laverty disputed second position behind Lascorz, who led from the opening turn.

Indeed, while Crutchlow seemingly had the quicker bike than Lascorz on the long run down to the Adelaide hairpin, the Kawasaki's superior braking was keeping the Yamaha at bay on every occasion.

One more failed attempt on lap twelve would actually see Crutchlow lose his position to Laverty, who was back in the lead fight despite an error earlier on that dropped him briefly to fourth.

However, while the move would see him take a provisional lead in the standings, Laverty's title dreams were all but dashed just a few corners later when he tumbled off his Honda at Chateaux d'Eau. Losing a significant amount of time, while Laverty would scramble back onto the bike and rejoin the race, he was now well out of contention.

Laverty's demise would now offer up the opportunity for Crutchlow to seal the title one round early, albeit only if he could get past Lascorz and win and Laverty didn't get back into the points.

However, the young Spaniard was providing a stern test for Crutchlow, gradually pulling a margin out over the soon-to-be World Superbike rider.