Sports News

In Sports News: Defending champions Czech Republic reach Fed Cup win over France in semi-finals – non-playing captain Pála says team are just as hungry as before first title; Třinec keep playoffs alive after equalising against Litvínov with 36 seconds to go; and no “bounce” for Sparta after replacing Lavička with Ščasný.

Victory over France delivers fourth Fed Cup final for Czechs in five years

Petra Kvitová, photo: CTK

The Czech Republic’s phenomenal run in tennis’s Fed Cup continues. After lifting the title three times in the last four years, the Czech women’s team have once again reached the final following a 3:1 win over France in Ostrava at the weekend. And once again, Petra Kvitová was the heroine of the hour – though not at her best after a month off, the world number four won both her Fed Cup singles rubbers for the 10th tie in a row to help take the Czechs to their fourth final in five years.

Non-playing captain Petr Pála says there are various reasons for the defending champions’ success in recent years.

“The most important thing has been the girls’ quality. Next it’s their desire for success. They like playing in the Fed Cup and they’re comfortable playing in it. They always look forward to Fed Cup weekends. It’s different than other competitions, when they play just for themselves. We also have a good set-up – our support team runs smoothly and we all get on well. And we have the same desire to reach the final as the first time.”

The Czech Republic will host Russia in the Fed Cup final, which takes place in the middle of November.

Třinec keep Extraliga playoffs after late equaliser against Litvínov

Třinec - Litvínov, photo: CTK

The domestic ice hockey Extraliga playoffs took a dramatic turn on Sunday evening. Litvínov were just 36 seconds from claiming the cup, only for Třinec to equalize and then win on penalties, taking the series to 3:2. Litvínov have never won the league in over half a century of existence but will get another chance on Tuesday, when the series returns to their stadium.

Litvínov’s goaltender Pavel Francouz says his team are determined to wrap things up in game six.

“We’re going to win the title at home. There’s no other alternative now. We definitely don’t want to go back to Třinec for a seventh game. I think we’ll give it all we’ve got and follow on from the season we’ve had. We’ll manage it.”

Ščasný oversees defeat after replacing Lavička as Sparta boss

Zdeněk Ščasný, photo: CTK

New managers are often said to give soccer teams a “bounce”, sparking at least a couple of good results as energised players attempt to impress the new boss. That has not happened, however, with defending champions Sparta Prague. After last week sacking Vitěslav Lavička, on Saturday Sparta lost their first game under Zdeněk Ščasný, going down 2:1 to third-from-bottom Slovan Liberec.

Goalie Marek Štěch said Spata don’t deserve to retain the title after a dismal performance.

“We can’t play that way. We don’t deserve the title. We weren’t active, even though we did create some chances. But they were simply better than us.”

Leaders Viktoria Plzeň can stretch their lead to eight points more than Sparta – with six rounds remaining – if they beat Teplice on Monday evening, after the recording of our programme.