Russia through to Speedway World Cup final

Russia has sprung one of the biggest upsets in Speedway World Cup history by defeating big guns Sweden and Denmark in the opening qualifying round last Saturday.

Inspired by the raw skills of new grand prix wonder boy Emil Sayfutdinov, Russia shook off its easy beat tag to book a place in next weekend’s final after a 4pt victory (51 to 47) over Sweden.

Denmark (45pts) was third, and will now join Sweden in a race-off against the second and third-placed teams from tonight’s second qualifier the UK, where Australia will be competing.

The Czech Republic was a distant fourth, and is now eliminated from the SWC for 2010.

Sayfutdinov scored 14pts for Russia, and he was well supported by Roman Povazhny (10), Renat Gafurov (10), Denis Gizatullin (9) and Grigory Laguta (8).

Russia has never won the SWC.

Andreas Jonsson and Fredrik Lindgren were the stars for the Swedes, while Denmark’s Kenneth Bjerre went through the night undefeated as his team was left with just four riders at the end of the night.

That was after reigning speedway world champion Nicki Pedersen came off second best in a collision with Laguta (see below), and was taken to hospital with second degree burns to his leg.

Denmark, the reigning SWC champion, was already below full strength after its skipper, Hans Andersen, was injured in the Swedish League clash with Sayfutdinov last week.

For a preview of Australia’s qualifying round at Peterborough, click here.

For full results and standings from the SWC, click here.