USA out of World Cup

Hungary edge out Germany in race-off

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 27th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

USA out of World Cup

Hancock: Couldn't make qualifier

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Five-time world champions USA bowed out of this season's World Cup in humiliating fashion as they went out in the qualifying stages.

America's initial team included former world number ones Gerg Hancock and Billy Hamill and on paper they were firm favourites to progress to the main event.

However, neither Hancock or Hamill could make the trip to Miskolc in Hungary on Sunday and they were forced to field an under-strengthened side.

And it was host nation Hungary who provided a further shock by booking their place in the next round, getting the better of Germany courtesy of a run-off with Latvia back in third and America trailing in a distant last.

Germany had declared in-form Ipswich Witches star Tobi Kroner for the run-off, but he suffered mechanical problems at the start which allowed Matej Ferjan to claim victory and book Hungary's place in the next round.

Hungary will now face the seeded Poland, Australia and Russia in the first semi-final to be staged in Leszno in July.

The second qualifying event features Italy, Finland, Slovenia and Czech Republic - who are competing to face Denmark, Sweden and Great Britain in the second semi-final.

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