Sports News

A poor landing in the world championships has cost Ales Valenta a place on the podium at the same venue where he won gold in freestyle aerial skiing at the Winter Olympics a year ago. Leading figures in Czech tennis have come out in support of Bohdan Ulihrach, who could face a two-year suspension if he fails a second test for nandrolone. Sparta Prague captain Jiri Novotny, who has won 13 football league titles at the club, is in talks about a possible transfer with Russia's Kazan. And down-on-his-luck Olympic ice hockey winner Jiri Dopita has signed a loose contract with Czech second division club Olomouc.

Sports News

Valenta comes seventh at world championships after poor landing

Ales Valenta

Sports fans across the Czech Republic were enthralled by the prospect of freestyle aerial skier Ales Valenta competing in the sport's world championships at Deer Valley, Utah, the same venue where he took gold in the Winter Olympics a year ago. When he made his second jump in Sunday's final Valenta tried the same breathtaking jump which won him the Olympic gold, but unfortunately hit the ground badly, falling onto his back. That poor landing cost Valenta dear, and he came seventh. Despite the anticipation caused by Ales Valenta's recent first win in a World Cup competition, he said he was not too disappointed this time out.

"I think the first jump was quite good. During the second jump I turned too much but I was trying the hardest jump there is. I wasn't disappointed by the jumps, though it's a pity about the second one but seventh place is pretty good, no?"

It was a shame scores weren't being taken during training on Sunday morning, when the rules dictate competitors must show the judges what they are planning to do in competition. Ales Valenta again.

"During training it was maybe better. I landed normally on my feet, though I had to steady myself with one hand. But it's usually like that. During training the conditions are a bit different and you feel a bit different mentally."

Tennis news

Leading figures in Czech tennis have been expressing support for Bohdan Ulihrach, who could face a two-year suspension from the game if a second test confirms a finding of the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone. Jiri Novak said he didn't believe it, and stand-in Davis Cup coach Robert Krechler said it simply couldn't be true. Meanwhile the Davis Cup team - led by Novak and featuring for the first time Radek Stepanek - are in training on the temporary clay surface at the Vitkovice arena in Ostrava, ahead of next weekend's clash with holders Russia. They'll be without the injured Marat Safin, which has to be good news for Czech tennis fans.

Novotny may leave Sparta for Russia after 16 years at club

After an incredible 16 years and 13 league titles at Sparta Prague, club captain Jiri Novotny could join the exodus of Czech league players leaving for Russia, with Kazan interested in signing the 32-year-old defender. New Sparta boss Jiri Kotrba has talked about trimming down the squad, though the departure of Novotny was something few would have envisaged.

Czechs make an impact on major European leagues

Milan Baros (left), photo; CTK

Three of the Czech internationals playing in top European leagues scored one goal apiece to help their teams to victory at the weekend. Tomas Galasek was on the score-sheet for Ajax Amsterdam, Jan Koller scored again for Borussia Dortmund, and after being on the bench throughout January, Milan Baros justified the Liverpool manager's faith in picking him by scoring a rare headed goal after just six minutes on the pitch.

Dopita signs loose contract with second division Olomouc

Jiri Dopita has signed with Czech second division club Olomouc, having failed to find a place abroad since leaving NHL club Edmonton at the end of last year. Dopita has signed an unusual contract with Olomouc, allowing him to leave at any time and only play when he feels like it. Far from ideal conditions for the club perhaps, but they will surely be glad of the Olympic winner's experience, even if Dopita does only stay for a short time.