Denmark claim Metro Cup in Poland

Denmark gave itself the best possible preparation for the 2017 International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) European Division A Championship with an unbeaten run at the Metro Cup over the weekend (3-4 June).

The Danes captured the event held at the Ursynow Arena in Warsaw, Poland, with four wins against quality Europeans rivals.

On day one, Denmark got revenge on France who took the final spot for Rio 2016 from them at last year’s qualification tournament in Paris, defeating the side 50-42.

They then moved to the team that narrowly defeated them in the 2015 European Championship, Sweden, but again had no trouble as they breezed to a 51-38 triumph.

This meant if Denmark could produce wins against Germany and host nation Poland on the final day, the title would be theirs.

And that is exactly what they did.

Germany provided the Danes with their biggest challenge of the tournament, but it was Denmark who prevailed, 49-43.

The hosts offered little resistance as Denmark coasted to the title after a massive 56-42 win in their final game.

Sweden and France were the next best at the Metro Cup with two wins and two losses apiece.

Germany won their only match in thrilling fashion against Poland, 54-53, on day one, leaving the hosts as the only team without a victory over the two days.

It was the perfect start for new Denmark coach and USA veteran Jason Regier in his first official tournament at the helm and will give his side plenty of confidence for the European title in Koblenz, Germany, from 24 June to 1 July.

Denmark has been drawn in Pool B with Great Britain, Ireland and Poland, while Pool A includes Sweden, France, Germany and Finland.

Great Britain enters the tournament as reigning champions and holds the European No.1 ranking, but the Danes find themselves in a great position to challenge for their first gold medal at the event after a bronze medal in 2015.