JASON Crump will almost certainly clinch his second world speedway title by the end of the month.

Despite crashing out of the Scandinavian Grand Prix on Saturday, Belle Vue's Australian superstar still extended his overall lead in the world championship series.

In atrocious conditions at Malilla, Sweden, he fell on the first lap of the Grand Final while at the back after also coming off on the first bend at the first attempt to stage the race.

But his 16 points for finishing fourth enabled him to stretch his series lead to 61 points as his chief rival, Reading's American former world champion Greg Hancock, failed to make the final.

With just three rounds left - and a maximum of 75 points available - Crump now seems certain to seal the title in the next Grand Prix in Prague on August 26.

Rostrum

It was the first time in seven Grands Prix this season that Crump had finished off the rostrum after four first places and two seconds.

Sweden's Andreas Jonsson, on his home circuit, defied the conditions to end his 44-round wait for his first GP win.

Great Britain skipper Scott Nicholls (Coventry) moved into sixth place overall despite being thrown out of his semi-final after a controversial clash with bitter rival Hans Andersen, which left Peterborough's Danish star in the fence.

Polish referee Wojciech Grodzki blamed Nicholls for the crash but he hit out: "I gave him a nudge but it was no different to what he was giving me. Typically, Hans did a fairy bale-out and I'm not happy."

Andersen went on to claim second place after being passed in the final with Swindon's Aussie Leigh Adams third.

Meanwhile, Belle Vue hope to step up their bid for an Elite League play-off place at Wolverhampton tonight (7.30pm). Phil Morris is due to return after being out for a month with a shoulder injury.

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