Tuesday 2nd October 2012, 21:12

World Championship contenders Chris Holder and Greg Hancock warmed up for their title decider in Torun by leading Piraterna to a 46-44 victory over Vetlanda in the Swedish Elitserien play-off final, first leg.

Holder stormed to 11 paid 12 in Motala on Tuesday night, while Herbie bagged 10. World Under-21 champion Maciej Janowski led the scoring on 12 paid 14.

But disaster struck for the Pirates when they lost Polish teenager Piotr Pawlicki following a nasty spill in heat 12. Hancock locked up in the damp conditions and Pawlicki and Vetlanda rider David Ruud crashed hard as they tried to avoid him.

Pawlicki was led back to the pits by medics holding his arm. He appeared in some discomfort and initial reports suggested he had picked up a dislocated shoulder. Ruud was taken away in an ambulance, reportedly suffering with a foot injury.

Vetlanda may have to replace the Swede in the second leg on Wednesday evening, but they will fancy their chances of overturning a two-point deficit on home shale.

SGP star Emil Sayfutdinov led their charge on 12 points, while Leon Madsen and Tomas H Jonasson weighed in with eight paid nine apiece.

Aussie legend Jason Crump scored six, while Polish rider Jaroslaw Hampel managed just two.

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