The Hungarian team had made the perfect start to the qualifier two days ago with a 4-1 win over Estonia at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

Romania offered a stronger resistance in their second match, with the teams unable to be separated across the three standard periods.

Daniel Tranca had given Romania a 1-0 lead after just 35 seconds of the contest, only for Hungary to equalise through Andrew Sarauer one minute later.

The scoreline remained unchanged until the third period, with Kristof Papp giving Hungary a 2-1 lead in the 44^th minute.

Overtime was required after Anton Butochnov levelled the score at 2-2 in the 55^th minute.

Hungary held their nerve in the additional period, with a strike from Csanad Erdely giving them a 3-2 win.

The result temporarily put Hungary top of the Group J standings on five points, while Romania’s qualification hopes were ended.

Britain overtook Hungary after the host nation overcame Estonia convincingly in the late match.

Brett Perlini and Scott Conway both scored twice to help Britain secure a 7-1 win over Estonia.

The Group H qualifier in Kazakhstan saw teams enjoy a rest day, before the final two matches tomorrow.

The winners of tomorrow’s match between Kazakhstan and Poland in Nur-Sultan will advance from the qualifier.

Slovenia and Japan also meet in a decisive match in the Group G qualifier in Jesenice in Slovenia.

The winners of the three groups will progress to the final qualifier.

Each of the top teams from the final qualifier's three groups will go forward to the Beijing Olympics.

Hosts China are already assured of a place and will be joined by the top eight teams in the world rankings following last year’s World Championships.

They are, in order, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, United States, Germany and Switzerland.