Kumar Sangakkara ended Sussex’s slim chances of pushing for victory on the final day of their Championship clash with Durham at Hove.

The Sri Lanka international is unbeaten on 91 as Durham reached lunch on 239-4 in their first innings.

The visitors still trail by 266 and require another 116 to avoid the follow-on but with only two sessions remaining a draw is almost inevitable.

Sussex required quick wickets in the morning if they were to retain hopes of an unlikely win and James Anyon delivered by removing Scott Borthwick – who nicked a ball that kept low to the wicketkeeper - for 84 in only the third over.

The only other breakthrough came when Luke Wells trapped Michael Richardson lbw for 15 with his occasional left-arm spin.

Sangakkara was immoveable though as he reached his half century off 116 balls by driving Jon Lewis for his eight four through the covers.

Together with Paul Collingwood (20 not out) they have put on 51 for the fifth wicket to ensure the rest of the game is simply a battle for bonus points.