The Czech Republic won the men's gold at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Italy today ©World Skate

The Czech Republic defeated defending champions France in Italy to secure the men’s Inline Hockey World Championships title for a sixth time, and the fourth time in the last six years.

The Czech team, who had hammered Switzerland 10-1 in their semi-final, stayed on a roll as they took on a French side that had seemed to be gliding towards another successful campaign and beat them 7-2 at the Hodegart Arena in Asiago.

Pavel Strýček and Patrik Sebek were outstanding for the Czech side, bronze medallists in last year’s Championships, while the French goals came from Hamon Lambert and Langlois Maxime.

France failed to defend their Inline Hockey World Championships title when they were beaten 7-2 in the final by the Czech Republic at the at the Hodegart Arena in Asiago ©World Skate
France failed to defend their Inline Hockey World Championships title when they were beaten 7-2 in the final by the Czech Republic at the at the Hodegart Arena in Asiago ©World Skate

Earlier, Switzerland had won the bronze medal match in this World Skate event, defeating Canada 8-2.

World Skate President Sabatino Aracu commented: "I am really proud of what I saw in this event: good attendance, great athletes and fair play, emerging countries coming to light.

"I would like to thank Angelo Roffo and the Altopiano di Asiago for welcoming back the inline hockey world movement after just two years."