Russians create Cup upset

Sayfutdinov: Inspirational (fotospeedway.pl )

Russia caused one of the biggest upsets in speedway history on Saturday as they booked their place in the finals of the World Team Cup in Vojens.

Up against the might of Sweden and hosts Denmark as well as the Czech Republic in Event 1, the Russians were 20-1 with Sky Bet to make it straight through to the final at the first time of asking.

But, led by the teenage sensation Emil Sayfudtinov the outsiders trumped their more illustrious rivals with a fully-deserved victory.

It means the Danes and the Swedes must head to the race-off to battle for the two remaining places in the final with the second and third-placed teams from Event 2 at Peterborough on Monday.

Sayfutdinov carried his fantastic Grand Prix form into the event with a 14-point haul, losing only to the immaculate Kenneth Bjerre in his opening ride.

The 19-year-old was backed up in superb fashion by journeyman Roman Povazhny (10) and captain Denis Gizatullin (9), who both registered two wins apiece, while Renat Gafurov (10) and Grigory Laguta (8) were also inspired.

The Danes will consider themselves unfortunate after losing team captain Hans Andersen to hand injury before the meeting, while Nicki Pedersen missed his last two rides after suffering burns to his left leg following a clash with Laguta.

Bjerre won all six of his rides including as a double-point joker in Heat 23, but Sayfutdinov shut out Bjarne Pedersen in the penultimate race to ensure victory for the Russians.

But Bjerre received disappointing back-up and Sweden were also inconsistent on the night, with only Freddie Lindgren (11), Andreas Jonsson (13) and Jonas Davidsson recording a couple of heat wins apiece.

Event 2 sees Great Britain take on Australia, Poland and Slovenia for a place in the finals in Leszno next Saturday, with the second and third placed teams battling it out with Denmark and Sweden in Thursday's race-off.

Result:
Russia 51pts
Sweden 47
Denmark 45
Czech Republic 12