BRATISLAVA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Britain mounted an impressive comeback against France, winning the deciding Group A match 4-3 in overtime at the 2019 Ice Hockey World Championship in Slovakia on Monday.
The first win at the tournament saved Britain from relegation at the cost of their opponent. France left the elite category after 12 years.
When three straight goals found their way into Britain's net in the second period, the game and their fate seemed to be decided. Anthony Rech opened the scoring after a cross pass from Antonin Manavian, Sacha Treille extended the lead to 2-0 on a lucky redirect and Rech's second of the game provided a comfortable 3-0 cushion for France. But it was a cushion they fell asleep on.
Britain mounted an unexpected comeback. Robert Dowd deked out goalie Florian Hardy with five minutes to go in the second period and Mike Hammond made good use on an easy rebound three minutes later, 3-2. Robert Farmer tied the game up five minutes into the third with a daring attack from behind the goal and sent the game into overtime.
The Steel Arena in Kosice witnessed the remarkable turnaround being accomplished in overtime when Britain's Ben Davies received a great pass from Jonathan Philipps, found himself face to face with the French goaltender, produced a nifty deke and decided the game.
It was the last game for both teams at the tournment.
