Incredible Battle, Incredible Win

The Italian, who started from the pole in dry conditions in the 21-lap race Sunday, fought off an intense challenge from his countryman Loris Capirossi on a Ducati at the wide and twisting 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) Sepang circuit.

Title contender Spain's Daniel Pedrosa on a Honda finished third, while championship leader Nicky Hayden of the United States (Honda) was fourth. With the victory, Rossi claimed valuable points to narrow the gap with title leader Hayden in his bid to claim an eighth world title. The injured Pedrosa, who started fifth, snatched an early lead from Rossi in the first lap but Rossi successfully regained the top spot. Then Capirossi, last year's winner in Sepang, became the new dangerman for Rossi.

In lap 17, Capirossi overtook Rossi in a tight corner and maintained his lead despite a stiff challenge from the Yamaha rider. It was a cat-and-mouse game between the two riders but Rossi managed to outsmart Capirossi in the final laps to win the race.

Rossi described the race as an "incredible battle," saying the win brought with it valuable points for his championship title. "This time I win. The battle was incredible. I think we overtook each other at least 10 times or more," he said. "I think it is one of my best races in my career."

Capirossi, meanwhile, described the race as one of the most exciting of the season. "We have four more races to go and I hope it will be like that," he told reporters, adding that the "championship title remains open." Hayden, of the United States, leads the pack with 214 points, followed by teammate Pedrosa with 192. Rossi has 188 with four races remaining.