The Orica-Scott rider launched a solo attack inside the final 20 kilometres of the 163km mountain stage from Domdidier to Leysin.

Yates continued to extend his advantage over the majority of his general classification rivals, but a determined Richie Porte looked to close the gap.

The Australian, riding for BMC Racing, was able to catch Yates in the close kilometres of the stage to set up a head-to-head battle for victory.

Having bridged the gap, Porte was unable to convert his efforts into a stage win as Yates kicked clear in the finishing straight.

The Briton would cross the line in a winning time of 4hours, 10min and 3sec, with Porte awarded the same time in second.

Germany’s Emanuel Buchmann and the United States’ Tejay Van Garderen were the next over the finish, ending 30 and 43 seconds back respectively.

Britain’s Chris Froome, a two-time winner of the race, lost over one minute to Yates to fall further out of contention.

Yates leads the overall standings by 19sec from Porte, while Buchmann lies 38sec off the pace.

Italy’s Fabio Felline, who had led the race since winning the prologue, has dropped to fourth place and 44sec adrift.

Froome’s hopes of winning the race look distant, with the three-time Tour de France winner 1:36 off the race lead.

Racing will conclude tomorrow with a 17.8km individual time trial in Lausanne.