When the Swedish world number one went out as the last rider in the final round one on the night of Wednesday, a good Swedish day was already assured. Wilma Hellström and Cicci had hit a top ride in their final debut, were finished in the top five and had set the Swedish bar high.

But Henrik von Eckermann got past her and everyone else. He was able to pitch the perfect plan and the late start number paid off.

"I had seen Scott Brash riding and thought if I keep my plan, I can beat him and now I could be with my nose right ahead," von Eckermann told SVT Sport.

It was also a course that suited von Eckermann and King Edward.

"This is the class I was most worried about, but I thought when I saw the course sketch that it would fit. Just that I can take away a little gallop leap and not have to keep holding on all the time because then it takes too much.

"I'm still in the focus bubble, but of course I'm enjoying it too"

The double world champion combination started in the best way and right now it is in the best position of all to take home this year's VC title. In that case, it would be a historic first Swedish victory in the World Cup final.

"I'm still in the focus bubble, but of course I'm enjoying it too, because tomorrow it could look completely different. There are three tough rounds left and it is important to keep it together, nice to get this start, says Henrik von Eckermann to SVT Sport.

On the night of Friday, the final round two will be decided, starting at 02.05 on SVT 1 and on SVT Play. On the night of Sunday, the VC final will then be decided with two final rounds where the top 20 are qualified.

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Watch Henrik von Eckermann's full victory round