Nicki Pedersen won his first grand prix of the season at the sixth attempt when he roared to victory at the Marketa Stadium in Prague to extend his lead in the world championship to 15 points.

The Dane, who is defending his title, headed the standings by consistency, having made all five finals. With his compatriot Hans Andersen chasing him home, he pulled out five points on the Australian Jason Crump, who lies second overall. Pedersen dropped points in the heats only to another Australian, Leigh Adams. Crump dropped them to Pedersen and Britain's Chris Harris, who was too erratic to reach the quarter-finals. There are five races to go.