Ahmad Nashrul Baharuddin looked set to score a grand double-double in the Malaysian Super Series with a superb performance in qualifying in the 135cc Production Bike Championship despite being only second fastest behind chief rival Ahmad Azhar Abdul Hamid.

Clocking 2 minutes 40.341 seconds around the 5.543-km track, Ahmad Nashrul would start alongside Ahmad Azhar on the front row; but with full knowledge he would not need to beat his rival and friend for his second crown of the season.

With the Kawasaki Cup crown already confirmed, Ahmad Nashrul, who is the defending champion for the 135cc Production Bike Championship, practically just needed to finish both races at Round 5 to retain the title. With 154 points from the previous four rounds, Ahmad Nashrul has a 47-point advantage over second place and two-time winner Ahmad Azhar, who has 107 points.

"I hope it could be as easy as that … just finishing the race. But, there is still a maximum of 50 points to be won and we all know that Ahmad Azhar is capable of winning both races to take maximum points. So, there's still a fight to be won that day and I aim to settle it as early as possible in the opening race on Saturday. Then, only I can relax," he said.

"It is going to be an interesting race. It's the best position to be; but nothing is won yet. The battle is not just with Azhar but some 20 other riders. I am going to do my very best," said Ahmad Nashrul, who has an unassailable lead in the Kawasaki Cup.

From six rounds, the 25-year old rider from Petaling Jaya had amassed 242points in the battle of the Kawasaki 150cc machines. His closest rival, Mohd Fairuz Abd. Murad has 169 points.

After winning the opening round in April, Ahmad Nashrul had to play second fiddle to Ahmad Azhar, who won all four races in Round 2 and 3 to put his title challenge on track after missing the opening round.

Ahmad Nashrul bounce back in Round 4, winning the round while Ahmad Azhar was crippled by mechanical problems as he collected only seven points out of a possible 50; leaving him with a mammoth task in the final round.

"Personally, I think it is mission impossible (to win the overall title) but then again, people always say that anything can happen in motor racing. So, we will just have to wait and see what happens on that weekend," said Ahmad Azhar.

Race 1,which would be run tomorrow, would 25 points and would be enough to crown Ahmad Nashrul as the 135cc king for a second consecutive season.

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