LIEPĀJA, Latvia – Liepājas Metalurgs’ 1-1 home draw with Ventspils on Sunday was enough to hand them the 2009 LMT Virslīga title.

After going down to Skonto a week previous, Ventspils had all but gifted the title to Liepājas Metalurgs already. With this in mind Ventspils coach Nunzio Zavettier chose to rest a number of his front-line players with an important Europa League tie coming up later this week.

All Liepāja needed was to secure a home draw. This looked shaky for most of the game after they were put on the back foot in the 17th minute. Andrjs Butriks was awarded a free kick from just outside the box, beating the Liepāja keeper.

It was not until the 78th minute when Liepāja secured the equalizer, given a penalty shot following a handball in the box. Kristaps Grebis made no mistake from the mark securing the point which now means they can not be overtaken at the top of the table.

With one round left it looks like Ventspils will hold onto second spot with Skonto destined to finish third. It will be interesting to see what team is eliminated after previously fourth placed Dinaburg were stripped of all competition points for betting on their own games.