Cyril Despres extended his overall lead in the Silkway Rally after winning 9th stage in Hami on Monday.

The 42-year-old Frenchman ended the 384km selective section from Urumqi to Hami in 3 hours, 38 minutes and 42 seconds.

His Peugeot teammates, Sebastien Loeb and Stephane Peterhansel, finished second and third respectively.

The victory extended Despres' overall standing over his compatriot Loeb to more than 12 minutes. Yazeed Mohamed Al Rajhi was third, a further 15 minutes off the pace.

Chinese driver Han Wei finished 8th in this stage with 4 hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds and ranked 7th in the overall standings.

Tuesday's 10th stage will take place between Hami and Dunhuang over a distance of 525km.