But despite the loss, Vetlanda now has a good starting position against the reigning Swedish champions. After eleven heat, Vetlanda was down 37-29, but eventually managed to shrink the distance. The return runs in Vetlanda on Thursday, September 10.

In the second match, lost Västervik lost at home to the Dackarna.

Already after four heats in Västervik, the Dackarna had drawn a six-point lead via three straight 4-2 wins - and after two more heats, the score was 23-13 to the guests. The biggest was the lead after eleven heats, 40–26, and the series winner Dackarna looked to have at least one wheel in the SM final.

Disappointed winners

But after three fifths on the last four heats, Västervik polished the result, which makes for an exciting return match next week. To Peter Karlsson's dismay.

-It feels like we lost. The guys are with the tail between the legs. It will be a bad aftertaste, Västervik came out very strong towards the end, says Dackarnas team leader to Vimmerby Tidning.