Australia were first to qualify for Saturday's World Cup final when they beat the hosts Poland in a run-off at the end of a thrilling event at Leszno. The night's two outstanding riders went head to head after the teams tied on 56 points and Australia's captain, Leigh Adams, who had previously dropped his only point to the unbeaten Jarek Hampel, now got the better of him.

Poland are joined by Russia, who came third ahead of Hungary, in Thursday's race-off in Vojens, Denmark, where the final will be held. Britain hope to qualify direct tonight in Coventry, where they race against Denmark, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Second or third place will take them to the race-off.