CHRIS Holder gave his world championship ambitions a further shot in the arm at the Czech Grand Prix in Prague.

The Pirates spearhead started his night with a third place in heat two, trailing behind Poles Jarek Hampel and Tomasz Gollob.

But three consecutive race wins followed for the 24-year-old, with a third place in heat 19 putting him on 11 points for qualification to the semi-finals.

The Poole Coastal Aluminium captain had first pick of gate position in the second semi-final.

But a slow start when the tapes went up left the Aussie with it all to do and he had to settle for third place and elimination.

His 12-point haul took him to 35 in the overall series standings - nine behind leader Jason Crump.

Dane Nicki Pedersen won the final, ahead of Gollob, Crump and Greg Hancock.