Sports News

Jihlava down after losing to relegation threatened Karviná in final round; Kopic named Czech league player of season; Baroš set to continue with Ostrava; and Siniaková causes sensation with French Open win while Kvitová is made to work for second round berth.

Jihlava relegated after final day drama

Jakub Fulnek, photo: ČTK/Pavlíček Luboš

The Czech football league title was wrapped up by Viktoria Plzeň with one game to spare, so much focus in Saturday’s ultimate round was on the last remaining relegation spot.

In the end, it was Jihlava who went through the trap door along with Brno, who had exited the top division a week previously.

Jihlava were involved in a direct battle at their own ground with another relegation contender, Karviná, and were still safe at 0:0 after 65 minutes. However, they then conceded twice to lose 2:0 and bring their six-year spell in the top flight to a close.

Jihlava midfielder Jakub Fulnek was unsurprisingly dejected after the final whistle.

“I kept believing that we would manage. We started really well and it looked like we would get through. We knew what we were playing for. Until it happens you don’t accept that it could, and I think it’ll take some time to sink in. It’s going to be a gloomy summer holiday.”

Plzeň’s Kopic named player of season in Czech league

Jan Kopic, photo: ČTK/Šulová Kateřina

The Czech league’s top players got to let their hair down on Sunday night in the form of a domestic awards ceremony in Prague. Midfielder Jan Kopic of champions Viktoria Plzeň – who made the most assists with 12 – was voted player of the season, while Václav Jílek of Olomouc took home the best manager gong.

Baroš, 36, planning another season at Ostrava

Thirty-six-year-old Milan Baroš, who was named personality of the league, said he would like to remain at Baník Ostrava next season after helping his home club to safety this term.

Siniaková overcomes Azarenka for Paris sensation

Kateřina Siniaková has caused quite a sensation in tennis’s French Open after knocking former world number one Victoria Azarenka out in the first round. The 22-year-old Czech beat the Belarusian 7-5 7-5 on Monday to reach the second round at Roland Garros for the first time in her career.

Kvitová comes from behind to reach French Open second round

Petra Kvitová, photo: ČTK/AP/Christophe Ena

Eighth seed Petra Kvitová has also reached the second round of the French Open. However, Kvitová, playing on the main court in Paris, had to come from behind to overcome Veronica Cepede Royg of Paraguay 3-6 6-1 7-5 in a two-hour plus encounter.

The 28-year-old, who made her comeback after a terrible hand injury at the same Grand Slam tournament 12 months ago, will face Lara Arruabarrena of Spain in the next round.

Barbora Strýcová is also into round two in Paris after overcoming Japan’s Kurumi Nara 1-6 6-3 6-4.