WORLD champion Chris Holder has confirmed his season is over after suffering multiple injuries in a big smash at Peterborough last night.

The Pirates captain revealed he sustained a broken rib, broken tibia and knee ligament damage after being involved in a heat-four crash with Panthers guest Mads Korneliussen.

Despite Holder not completing a ride, depleted Poole went on to defy the odds by progressing to the final against Coventry – tonight at Brandon and Monday at Wimborne Road. But talisman Holder will play no part.

The Australian sensation, who won his maiden Grand Prix title this year, is due to have an MRI scan today and he could require surgery to repair the damage.

Pirates have moved quickly to book Belle Vue’s Rory Schlein to deputise for world number one Holder.

Already without Darcy Ward and Piotr Pawlicki, Pirates will now face a huge task in their bid to end the season by successfully defending their cup crown.

Niels-Kristian Iversen, a hero at the East of England Showground last night, will continue to guest for Ward, with rider replacement covering for Pawlicki.