Punctured lung, broken ribs for Parkes.

On a day when Kevin Curtain took the 2006 World Supersport championship lead for the first time, his Yamaha Germany team-mate Broc Parkes saw his own title hopes end in a painful early race accident.

The young Australian took a clear early lead in the wet conditions but fell heavily on lap three when he lost the rear of his machine and tumbled spectacularly into the gravel. Parkes was subsequently taken to hospital where the initial diagnosis suggested that the Brands Hatch winner - who began the Assen weekend just 12 points from the top - has suffered three broken ribs, a punctured lung and an injured shoulder.

"When Broc was in the lead everything was looking OK but in the crash he had a bad head knock and other internal injuries," said team manager Terrell Thien. "It is strange because it is great for Kevin to be leading the championship but tonight I my feelings are mixed, on one hand I am happy for Kevin but very sad for Broc."

Curtain went on to finish second behind Kenan Sofuoglu in the two-part race, giving him a seven-point lead over reigning champion Sebastien Charpentier with three rounds to go.