Sports News

This has been an exciting weekend for Czech sports, this week: Martin Koukal wins gold in 50km at world championships. Slavia eliminated from UEFA cup in controversial match. Czech hockey playoffs to commence. Milan Hejduk continues to produce goals in the NHL. League leaders Sparta Prague come-up short in dramatic match in Ostrava. Jiri Novak places second in Dubai Open.

Martin Koukal wins gold in 50km at world championships

Martin Koukal, photo: CTK

We begin with Martin Koukal who made ski history for the Czech Republic over the weekend when he won gold in the 50km race at the world championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy. The 24 year old, who participated in the 50km race for only the fourth time in his career, overcame three Swedes to take the championship. Koukal, who actually specializes in the 1.5km sprint had a good weekend leading up to the 50km event, he placed 5th in the cross country sprint.

Slavia eliminated from UEFA cup in controversial match

After a dramatic comeback Slavia failed to qualify for the next round in the UEFA cup last Thursday when they lost 4-2 to Besiktas in Istanbul. Slavia came back from a four goal deficit to score two goals in the 77th and 82rd minutes, however, a third goal in extra time was disallowed. In a controversial call, the 30 metre strike by Karel Pitak was called offside, allowing Besiktas to advance on a 4-3 aggregate. The teams management sent a letter of protest to UEFA over the call. Slavia was the last Czech team taking part in European football tournaments.

Czech hockey playoffs to commence

The final round of the Czech elite hockey league took place over the weekend and the playoffs commence on Wednesday. The match-ups are as follows: Pardubice will face Znojmo; Slavia takes on Vsetin; Sparta will meet Ceske Budejovice; and Trinec faces Vitkovice. Pardubice ended the season on top of the Czech league with 111 points and Richard Kral led the league in points with 67.

Milan Hejduk continues to produce goals in the NHL

Milan Hejduk continues to be the top Czech point producer. The Colorado right winger is currently second in the league with 39 goals and fifth overall with 77 points. Czechs in action over the weekend include Milan Hnilicka who made 29 saves as the Atlanta Thrashers defeated the Anaheim Mighty Ducks 4-1 on the road and Josef Vasicek scored the Carolina Huricanes's loan goal as they were routed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 on Saturday night.

League leaders Sparta Prague come-up short in dramatic match in Ostrava

Sparta Prague lost to Ostrava, photo: CTK

First place Sparta Prague lost to Ostrava 3-2 in a dramatic match in front of 18,000 fans. Other results from the weekend: third place Liberec lost to Synot 3-2 and last place Bohemians tied Brno 1-1, both teams are still waiting for their first home victory.

Jiri Novak places second in Dubai Open

Jiri Novak lost to top seed Roger Federer at the million dollar Dubai Open on Sunday. Novak wend down 6-1, 7-6, in 75 minutes.