Batchelor in top form in Under 21 final (From Swindon Advertiser)

Batchelor in top form in Under 21 final

7:30am Monday 16th June 2008 in Sport

ROBINS Aussie ace Troy Batchelor roared into the final of the World Under 21 Championships with a perfect performance at Rye House yesterday, writes Gareth Moorhouse.

The Brisbane-born rider blitzed the competition, winning all five of his heats - including a stunning victory over pre-meeting favourites Tai Woffindon and Chris Holder - to top the standings after the first semi-final.

Batchelor will be looking for a repeat performance in the final in the Czech Republic later this summer, where he will be joined by Swindon asset Morten Risager.

The Danish rider finished third at Rye House Stadium following a run-off with Holder, after both riders returned 12 points during the meeting.

Batchelor and Risager must now wait to see who joins them in the championship decider in Pardubice, with the second semi-final scheduled for July 15 in Croatia.

Batchelor has a busy week ahead of him, with back-to-back Knockout Cup meetings against Poole Pirates followed by the fourth Grand Prix qualifying round on Saturday, where he will be joined by Swindon teammate Mads Korneliussen.

Korneliussen was overlooked for a wild card slot at his home Danish Grand Prix at the weekend, and will be out to prove a point when the tapes go up in Lonigo, Italy, on Saturday.

A good performance there could go a long way towards securing a berth for both Korneliussen and Batchelor in next year's Grand Prix series.