Hampshire's faint hopes of a first Championship title since 1973 were finally ended by Durham today.

The county that beat Hampshire in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy kept alive its hopes of an historic double after completing an eight-wicket win against Kent at Canterbury.

Durham's 20-point win at the St Lawrence ground has gave them a final total of 197.5 - an unassailable lead over Hampshire, who can not finish with more than 191 points.

Hampshire are unlikely to get that following the abandonment of the third day of their final match against Yorkshire at Headingley this afternoon.

But they already have enough bonus points to ensure a fourth-place finish if their final match ends in a draw tomorrow.

Durham, meanwhile, face an anxious few hours as Sussex will leap-frog them and retain the Championship title if they beat relegated Worcestershire at Hove.

Lancashire, Championship leaders going into the last round of matches, look set to finish third as they are struggling against Surrey at the Brit Oval.