The holders Russia survived their toughest test of the ice hockey world championship when they beat hosts Switzerland 4-2 in Berne for theirr third successive win as they finished top of Group B.
Canada, the other leading contenders, demolished Slovakia 7-3 while Hungary and Germany were dispatched to the relegation playoffs, although the latter cannot go down.
France beat Germany 2-1 in Group B and Hungary's return to the top flight for the first time in 70 years is in jeopardy after an unlucky 3-1 loss to Belarus..
