PIRATES reserve Adam Ellis was disappointed to miss out on British under-21 final glory – potentially his penultimate shot at the title.

The Ringwood-based charger had to settle for third behind champion Josh Bates and the second-placed Robert Lambert at Sheffield on Thursday.

Ellis's display was rewarded with selection for the world under-21 semi-final, due to take place in Czech city Pardubice on Friday, May 20.

The 20-year-old told the Daily Echo: "It wasn't a bad night. I got off to a half-decent start and got a few heat wins.

"I felt pretty good going into the final and it was just one of those things. When it's all on the final, it's a tough one.

"Third place is better than fourth place – that's the way I see it. It was disappointing but there is nothing you can do about it.

"There is always next year."

Meanwhile, Pirates' Hans Andersen is tonight due to race his countrymen in Denmark as he bids to reach the Speedway Grand Prix qualifying quarter-finals.

Andersen is set to face the likes of Peter Kildemand and Kenneth Bjerre in Esbjerg.

The meeting was rescheduled for this evening following a row over the non-participation of Michael Jepsen Jensen.