In Sports News this week: cross country skier Lukáš Bauer is almost guaranteed to become the first Czech to ever win the prestigious, season-long World Cup; leaders Slavia Prague bounce back from defeat to notch up three more points in their quest for the league title, while Žižkov beat Bohemians in a Prague derby; and Jan Koller could face punishment after allegedly spitting at an opponent.
Bauer evidently bound for World Cup glory
Lukáš Bauer, photo: CTK
It now seems nothing can prevent the cross country skier Lukáš Bauer from becoming the first Czech ever to win his sport’s prestigious World Cup. On Sunday Bauer increased his lead in the season-long competition to 428 points with a win in the 15 km classic at Finland’s Lahti. Germany’s Rene Sommerfeldt came second in that race, and, given that he is also second in the overall standings, could theoretically still overtake the Czech. But Sommerfeldt says he will not take part in the next race on Wednesday, which means an historic World Cup win is pretty much in the bag for Bauer. That said, he isn’t popping any champagne corks just yet:
Lukáš Bauer, photo: CTK
“That’s how it is mathematically, but as long as I don’t have the Crystal Globe in my hands I won’t be saying I’ve won it. I’m going to enter each race for the remainder of the season without thinking about whether I’m the theoretical champion or I’ve actually taken the title. My aim is to perform well and either to win or to do as well as I can in each race.”
Miroslav Petrásek is Lukáš Bauer’s trainer – he’s been enjoying his charge’s success this season, and is also looking to the future:
“He’s won all the individual classic races this season – it’s incredible. He’s been in great form, and let’s hope that continues in the seasons to come! But this has been a dream season.”
Slavia extend lead at top of league
Slavia Praha - Brno, photo: CTK
Czech football league leaders Slavia Prague bounced back from their defeat at Brno last week to beat bottom of the table Most 2:0 on Sunday. Sparta Prague, meanwhile, can again reduce the gap between them and Slavia to just two points if they beat Olomouc away on Monday evening. The other two Prague clubs in the Czech top flight met on Sunday night, with Viktoria Žižkov coming from behind to beat Bohemians 1905 2:1.
Koller in hot water over alleged spitting
Jan Koller, photo: CTK
Czech international Jan Koller could face punishment after appearing to spit at an opponent in a game between his club Hannover and Nuremberg. The giant striker denies the charge.
