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Sweden qualify for U20 ice hockey semi-finals

Sweden's Robin Figren, top, celebrates with teammates Tomas Larsson, left, and Johan Motin after scoring against the Czech Republic during the IIHF World U20 Ice Hockey Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on Monday. PHOTO: AP

Sweden secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Ice Hockey Championship on Monday, beating hosts the Czech Republic 4-2.

Sweden took a 3-0 lead in the second period behind goals from Oscar Moller, Patrik Berglund and Thomas Larsson. Antonin Boruta gave the Czechs hope 44 seconds into the third, but Robin Figren made it 4-1 just a minute later, as Sweden clinched first place in Group A.

The Czechs finished third in the group and still advanced to the quarter-final round, where they will face Russia today.

The US, who had already clinched a semi-final spot by winning Group B, defeated Finland 5-3 after jumping out to a 5-0 lead.

Canada beat Denmark 4-1 behind two goals from Kyle Turris to finish second in Group A, while Russia edged Switzerland 4-3 to grab second place in Group B.

Canada will play Finland in the other quarter-final, while Slovakia, Denmark, Kazakhstan and Switzerland will play a relegation round.

Sweden's Robin Figren, top, celebrates with teammates Tomas Larsson, left, and Johan Motin after scoring against the Czech Republic during the IIHF World U20 Ice Hockey Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on Monday. PHOTO: AP

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