Sports News

The Czech Republic have played eight won eight at the ice hockey World Championships in Finland, as things start to get serious with a clash against holders Slovakia. The country's footballers have put on another sterling display, this time against the Turks, and squad members have spoken out against racism on the terraces. Tennis player Bohdan Ulihrach has lost his appeal against a two-year doping ban and the ladies will take on South Africa in the Fed Cup play-offs.

Sports News

Czechs face Slovakia at ice hockey World Championships

Czech Republic - Germany, photo: CTK

The ice hockey World Championships in Finland and the Czech Republic continued their successful start on Sunday with a 4:0 win over Germany in the quarter-finals series. That victory brings the Czechs' tally to eight played eight won. However, given the number of second-class teams at the championships Czech fans have had to sit through a number of less than inspiring games in the early stages of the competition. That should all change on Monday evening when the Czech Republic take on Slovakia; the current title holders have never beaten the Czechs at the world championships and a hard-fought battle can be expected.

Czechs score convincing victory over Turkey in football friendly

The Czech Republic put on a great performance in a friendly against Turkey in Teplice last Wednesday. The Czechs won 4:0 against the Turks, who came third at last year's World Cup, continuing their 14-game unbeaten run under coach Karel Brueckner. The goals - all in the first 40 minutes - came from Rosicky, Koller, Smicer and Baros.

Internationals speak out about racism on football terraces

Several members of the Czech squad took the opportunity of the friendly to speak out against racist chants from fans at Czech league games, an issue which has been receiving a lot of press attention recently. It's the most disgusting thing there is, said striker Jan Koller, while goalie Petr Cech said he was simply ashamed of the behaviour of some fans.

Sparta still ahead after dropping three points at Zizkov

In the Czech league leaders Sparta Prague have dropped three points with a 2:0 defeat at Viktoria Zizkov on Saturday. Both Zizkov's goals came from Tomas Oravec, who is the top scorer in the second half of the league season. So, Sparta are now seven points ahead of second-placed Slavia, who have a game in hand. Zizkov are in third three points ahead of Liberec in the race for a coveted place in the UEFA Cup. In other league news Banik Ostrava have sacked coach Erich Cviertna after a run of poor results.

Ulihrach out until October 2004 after doping appeal rejected

Czech tennis player Bohdan Ulihrach's appeal against a two-year ban for drug taking has been rejected. Ulihrach tested positive for the steroid nandrolone at the end of last year and will be barred from competition until October 2004. The player has described the ban as extremely tough and still says he doesn't know how the drug got into his body.

Ladies to face South Africa in Fed Cup play-offs

After being knocked out of the Fed Cup by the United States recently the Czech women's tennis team have drawn South Africa in the World Group Play-offs. The tie will take place on July 19 and 20.