Ljubljana - Slovenia defeated Hungary 5:1 (1:1, 2:0, 2:0) in the third round of Group A play of the Ice Hockey World Championship Division I in Ljubljana's Tivoli Arena on Friday to secure advancement to the elite group and appearance at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.

This was a third win for Slovenia in as many matches that secured the host nation the first place in Group A and the participation in the elite group tournament next year.

Slovenia got ahead early, with Žiga Jeglič scoring in the first minute, and Robert Sabolič adding two goals (27th and 58th) minute. Žiga Pance (27th) and Ken Ograjenšek (58th) scored one goal each for Slovenia's decisive win.

In the first match of the day Lithuania beat South Korea 5:3 (2:1, 1:1, 2:1) to theoretically remain in play for the second place in the group, which also leads to the 2023 IIHF World Championship. The spot is currently held by Hungary.

On Saturday, Lithuania will play the last-placed Romania, and the tournament will wrap up on Sunday as Hungary play Romania and Slovenia play South Korea, who are currently fourth in the group with one win and two losses and three points.

The last-placed team in the five-team group will be relegated to the 2023 Division I B.