Durham earned a convincing victory over Kent to pile the pressure on to County Championship rivals Sussex.

The win put Durham on 197.5 points and Sussex will need to beat Worcestershire to clinch the title with Lancashire looking out of the race.

Durham quickly seized the initiative on day three as Kent, who started on 99-3, were dismissed for 160.

The visitors rattled off the 52 they needed for an eight wicket win and claim 20 points.

Interview: Durham captain Dale Benkenstein

Interview: Durham batsman Michael Di Venuto

It's been the best ever, an unbelievable season Durham skipper Dale Benkenstein

Durham captain Dale Benkenstein hit a third Championship century in the match and praised his side even if they fail to claim the title.

"We are really just pleased to have done as much as we could do and we just have to wait and see," he said.

"Sussex look like they are in a pretty strong position and it's out of our hands now.

"If they win that game they'll be top, I don't think we can come any lower than second as I think Lancashire are going to have to battle to win.

"It's been the best ever, an unbelievable season and to be where we are shows commitment and the quality of the team we have. There is nothing more that we can do, we had the opportunity here to put the other teams under pressure.

"They (Kent) have fielded their strongest team bar one player, so it's been really satisfying."