In Sports News: the Czech Republic's ice hockey team are soundly beaten by Finland, just ahead of the World Championships in Vienna; the Czech women's tennis team overcome Japan in the Fed Cup; in basketball, Brno are narrowly beaten in the final of the women's European League; Milan Baros may miss a much-anticipated Champions League game between his Liverpool and Petr Cech's Chelsea; and with Sparta Prague extremely close to winning the Czech league, attention turns to the race for second place.
Czechs lose to Finland ahead of Ice Hockey World Championships
Czech Republic - Finland, photo: CTK
Less than a week from now the Czech Republic play their first game at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Vienna - they won the tournament there nine years ago, starting a golden era for Czech hockey. But if the Czechs want to take gold in Vienna again, they're going to have to improve on the form they showed against Finland at the weekend, in playoffs for third place in the Euro Hockey Tour. After a 3:3 draw at home on Friday, the Czech team suffered a real cold shower on Sunday, losing 4:0 to come last in the four-nation competition. Coach Vladimir Ruzicka said he was surprised those players not certain of a place in the squad for the World Championships hadn't shown more fighting spirit.
Czech women's team beat Japan in tennis's Fed Cup
Nicole Vaidisova, photo: CTK
Megastar Jaromir Jagr is guaranteed a place in the squad and didn't go to Helsinki. Instead he was in Prague, watching the Czech women's tennis team against Japan in the Fed Cup. Czech number one Nicole Vaidisova celebrated her 16th birthday on Saturday with a win, but she and team-mates Peschkeova, Benesova and Koukalova left it late to secure victory, with a win in Sunday's doubles for Peschkeova and Benesova making it 3:2 on games. The result means the Czechs can return to the Fed Cup's elite World Group if they win a play-off in June.
No joy for Brno in basketball European League final
Brno women's basketball club came extremely close to winning their first ever European League final against Russia's Samara on Sunday. Luck didn't shine on the Moravians, however, who were beaten 69:66. Brno coach Jan Bobrovsky suggested the Ukrainian referee may have favoured Samara, but said he was still proud of his players.
Baros doubtful for big game against international team-mate Cech
The much anticipated clash between Czech football forward Milan Baros and goalkeeper Petr Cech in the Champions League semi-finals this week is under threat, after Baros sustained a knee injury during a game for his club Liverpool. Cech, meanwhile, is now a very short step from the first league title of his career, with Chelsea all but guaranteed to win the English Premier League.
Sparta close in on title with controversial win over Banik
Sparta Prague - Banik Ostrava, photo: CTK
Sparta Prague could win the Czech league next weekend, after a home win over Banik Ostrava. There is considerable rivalry between the two clubs and there were a number of violent incidents in Prague ahead of Saturday's clash. There was also controversy during the match itself, when Sparta - trailing 1:0 - were awarded a questionable penalty, after an apparent foul on Meduna. Poborsky converted and Zelenka netted a second to make it 2:1 to the champions elect.
Teplice chase second place, and chance of Champions League action
Teplice - Ceske Budejovice, photo: CTK
With first place virtually decided, the real race is on for second, and a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. Teplice currently occupy second spot, and - with a 5:2 win over Ceske Budejovice on Sunday - are five points ahead of Olomouc, who beat Brno 1:0.
