BRATISLAVA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- In an even battle in Group B of the Ice Hockey World Championship, Switzerland prevailed over Latvia 3-1 thanks to a late winner by Nico Hischier.
After a dominant 9-0 win over Italy on Saturday, Switzerland left the Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava with another win on Sunday. The goalless first period was followed by two goals in quick succession in the second. First, Switzerland's Gregory Hofmann swept in a deflected shot, only to see the game being tied 30 seconds later by the opponents when Latvia's Miks Indrasis sent one in past a screening defender.
The 1-1 tie was broken late in the third by Nico Hischier whose emphasis in front of Latvia's goaltender Elvis Merzlikins resulted in the game winner. Latvia pulled their goalie with 100 seconds left to play but the Swiss' empty-netter by Simon Moser crushed their hopes and secured another three points for the Group B leaders.
Switzerland will face off against Austria and Latvia will battle Italy on Monday.
