News

Navratilova takes title in last tournament of incredible career

Martina Navratilova has ended her remarkable career on a high, winning the mixed doubles at the US Open - her 59th Grand Slam title. The Czech-born tennis legend and partner Bob Bryan of the United States beat the Czech duo of Kveta Peschke and Martin Damm 6-2 6-3 in Saturday's final. Addressing the crowd after the match, Martina Navratilova said thanks for a great ride, while her partner Bryan congratulated her on the best tennis career of all time. Navratilova is quitting the sport just a month ahead of her 50th birthday.

Meanwhile, Czech player Martin Damm made amends for defeat in the mixed doubles final by winning the men's doubles with Leander Paes of India. The US Open is the first Grand Slam title for Damm, who is 34.

PM Topolanek criticises delay in Schengen enlargement

The Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolanek, has criticised the European Commission's recommendation that the opening of the Schengen zone to the new European Union ten be delayed for a year. The Commission says borders should be opened to the newest members in October 2008 or later - not October 2007 as originally planned. Speaking after a meeting with his Polish counterpart Jaroslaw Kaczynski at a conference in Helsinki, Mr Topolanek said the two leaders had agreed the "mistake" was completely on the part of the European Commission.

Postal service could be privatised within 18 months, says interior minister

The new minister of the interior, Ivan Langer, says Ceska Posta (Czech Post) could be transformed into a private company by the start of 2008. Mr Langer said as the current government is only seeking a one-year mandate he would like to prepare the ground for a decision on the privatisation by the next cabinet. The current government - which faces a difficult vote of confidence at the start of October - plans to incorporate the Information Technology Ministry into the Interior Ministry.

Reception centre for refugees sees second mass escape in few weeks

Tens of Egyptian asylum seekers have escaped from a reception centre in Velke Prilepy near Prague, the Interior Ministry said. Three of the refugees have been caught, while police continue to search for 27 others. The break-out is believed to have been instigated by a people-smuggling gang. It was not the first incident of its kind - around 40 asylum seekers escaped from Velke Prilepy at the end of last month.

Spectator loses baby after being hit by vintage car during race

A pregnant woman who was hit by a car during a race of vintage cars has lost her baby. The woman, who is 31, was struck when a car went off the road during the race at Zbraslav near Prague. She is in a critical condition.

Weather

It should remain mostly sunny over the next few days, with temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius.