Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: Knapková comes second in single sculls in Lucerne – and plots Olympic defence against rival Crow; Czech König disappointed after Sky miss out on team time trial first place in Tour de France by one second; and Čech explains choice of no. 33 shirt at Arsenal.

Knapková comes second in single sculls in Lucerne…

Mirka Knapková, photo: CTK

The Czech Republic’s Mirka Knapková picked up a silver medal in the women’s single sculls at a World Rowing Cup event in Switzerland’s Lucerne. Knapková, who is the reigning Olympic champion, had been third at the mid-way point of Sunday’s final – but stepped up a gear.

“From my perspective the race went well overall. I usually start more slowly and then concentrate on the second half of the race. I always try to have the strongest finish possible and to keep something in the tank for the end.”

Knapková was beaten by Kim Crow of Australia, who crossed the line on Lake Rotsee a convincing seven seconds ahead of the Czech. With the Olympics coming up next year, Knapková says besting Crow in Rio will be a major challenge.

“It’s a headache for my trainer. Even last year she was way out in front. Beating her is a tough challenge. I’ll need to train more and find some fresh ideas when it comes to tactics and technique. But the Olympics are getting closer and my competitors’ performances in general are getting better.”

…but Synek again fails to reach podium

Knapková’s compatriot Ondřej Synek did not fare so well in Lucerne. His fifth place finish meant he again failed to reach the podium in the World Cup. Indeed, Synek said he had never performed worse in a single sculls race. The title-holder will be looking to regain some form before next month’s World Championships at France’s Lake Aiguebelette.

Sky’s König disappointed by Tour de France team time trial close second

Photo: CTK

In the Tour de France the Sky team featuring Czech rider Leopold König narrowly missed out on first place in Sunday’s ninth stage, which was a time trial, with their performance ensuring that Chris Froome held on to the leader’s yellow jersey. Nevertheless, König was frustrated that Sky had lost to the BMC Racing team by the very narrowest of margins.

“We’re disappointed. Unfortunately they beat us by a second. But we put in a great performance. I think we’ve shown that we have what it takes to lead Chris all the way to Paris. I could have had my first stage victory; admittedly not an individual victory, but the team time trial is a wonderful thing.”

Kvitová and Šafářová fall in world rankings after Wimbledon exits

Lucie Šafářová, photo: CTK

Petra Kvitová has fallen from second to fifth in the world rankings, after a surprise third-round exit at Wimbledon. The Czech had gone into the competition as defending champion. Lucie Šafářová – who reached the 2014 semis at the All England Club, only to lose to Kvitová – has slipped to eighth in the rankings after being knocked out this year in the fourth round.

Čech explains reasons for choosing 33 jersey at Arsenal

Football goalkeeper Petr Čech has revealed why he will wear the number 33 shirt for new club Arsenal. The former Chelsea man tweeted that it was because that was his age – and because he has to date made 333 Premier League appearances.