Tai Woffinden wins to move level at top of World Championship

Wolverhampton's world speedway champion Tai Woffinden has hailed the wide open race for this year's title after his stunning success in Prague.

Woffinden roared to victory ahead of Cradley Heath legend Greg Hancock after making a smooth start from gate two in the final at the Marketa Stadium.

The British-born golden boy is now joint leader of the World Championship with the evergreen Hancock, who is 20 years his senior.

The duo are on 46 points with Darcy Ward on 45, Nicki Pedersen 44, Matej Zagar 43, Krzysztof Kasprzak 42 and Chris Holder 40 – a third of the way through the series.

Woffinden, 23, said: "It's great for the series to have so many of us bunched up a third of the way through the season.

"Any one from a number of guys can win the title now and it will be the one who holds his nerve, stays as calm as possible under pressure and ensures the set-up is right in every round.

"Of course, I want that to be me. I would love to win it for a second year on the trot, but I'm not looking too far ahead just because I'm at the top with Greg (Hancock) now.

"Darcy had a great night on Saturday and just missed out, Nicki Pedersen has bags of experience and it's just too close to predict. Some of the other guys lower down the order have plenty of time to come into the equation too.

"It's such a cool feeling to win it again in Prague but to be joint-top of the standings at the same time makes it even better. Hopefully we can keep the form going in Malilla in the next round."

Woffinden had no shortage of fans in the Czech capital. And he was delighted to pick up the gold medal for one of his biggest – his late father and mentor Rob.

Tai said: "I stood on the podium, looked up, and said 'I wish you were here, Dad'. I wish he could see what's going on. I'm sure he's watching from up there."