In Sports News this Monday: Berdych knocked out in third round at French Open but Šafářová into last eight in Paris; rower Knapková takes gold in Poznan while Synek must accept second place after period of dominance; and Lafata becomes first home-based player to win football’s Golden Ball.
Berdych knocked out in third round on “unlucky” French Open court…
Tomáš Berdych, photo: CTK
Tomáš Berdych has been knocked out in the third round of tennis’s French Open by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Czech fourth seed rallied in the third set but still ended up losing 3-6 2-6 7-6 3-6 to the home favourite on Sunday evening. That result means that the Phillipe-Chartier court at Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam centre court where Berdych has never won a match. The 29-year-old says that is all his own fault.
“Above all it’s in my own hands – that’s the whole story and there’s nothing more to say. The fact is I have never managed to produce the kind of performance on this court that I am used to producing and that I should produce. That’s why things have gone the way they have.”
… though Šafářová reaches last eight in Paris for first time
Lucie Šafářová, photo: CTK
On the good news front, Lucie Šafářová has just reached the quarter finals in the women’s draw at the French Open. The 28-year-old beat Maria Sharapova of Russia 7:6 6:4 on Monday to book a berth in the last eight in Paris for the first time in her career.
Gold for Knapková at European Rowing Championships
Miroslava Knapková, photo: CTK
The Czech Republic’s Miroslava Knapková picked up a gold medal in the women’s single skulls at the European Rowing Championships in the Polish city of Poznan at the weekend. Her latest triumph brought a fifth European title for Knapková, who is reigning Olympic champion.
Synek stunned by defeat in Poznan
Ondřej Synek, photo: CTK
Knapková’s compatriot Ondřej Synek was hugely disappointed in Poznan. He had come first in the men’s single skulls in every World and European Championships since 2012 but had to settle for silver this time out after being bested by Damir Martin of Croatia. Synek was left shaking his head after missing out on gold.
“I’m disillusioned and disappointed. I don’t know what’s going on – it sucks. I was beaten by somebody who definitely shouldn’t have beaten me. Other competitors finished close to me who shouldn’t have done. I don’t know what has happened. I only hope it can be remedied.”
Lafata first home-based player to pick up football’s Golden Ball
David Lafata, photo: CTK
The Golden Ball for Czech soccer player of the season has gone to a home-based player in an historic first. With goalkeeper Petr Čech – winner in nine of the last 10 years – having spent most of 2014/2015 on the substitutes’ bench at Chelsea, Sparta Prague’s David Lafata on Sunday became the first player in the domestic league to lift the award since it was introduced 12 years ago. Lafata also picked up the prize for goal scorer of the season after finding the back of the net 20 times. Somewhat inconsistently perhaps, sports journalists voted Sparta defender Pavel Kadeřábek best player in the domestic league. Meanwhile, Miroslav Koubek of champions Viktoria Plzeň was named best trainer, after the West Bohemians reached their highest ever points tally on their way to a third league title in five years.
Baník Ostrava leave Bazaly ground after over five decades
Baník Ostrava - Dukla Praha, photo: CTK
Baník Ostrava played their final game at Bazaly stadium at the weekend drawing a gate of 11,000, the best turnout of the season. After over 50 years at Bazaly, Ostrava are set to move to the nearby Vítkovice next term.
