Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: Tomáš Dvořák fails to complete the final decathlon of a successful career blighted by injury; cyclist Roman Kreuziger is 14th overall in his first Tour de France – and second in the Under 25s category; Petr Čech signs an improved deal that should keep him at Chelsea until 2013; Tomáš Rosický targets a September return; and the Czech Under 19s reach the semi-finals at their European Championship.

Dvořák’s forced withdrawal from decathlon reflects latter part of successful career

The great Czech decathlete Tomáš Dvořák was forced to withdraw from the last event of his career at a meeting in Stará Boleslav on Sunday. The three-time world champion and erstwhile world record holder, now aged 36, limped off after straining a muscle in the 110 m hurdles at the start of the decathlon’s day two. Sadly, Dvořák’s exit reflected the latter part of his career, which was plagued by injury.

Kreuziger 14th overall in debut Tour de France

Roman Kreuziger, photo: CTK

The Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger continues to do well in the Tour de France. The 22-year-old, taking part in the famous race for the first time, finished 11th in the first Alpine stage on Sunday and is now 14th overall. Kreuziger – like the rest of the Tour’s participants enjoying a rest day on Monday – is currently second overall in the Tour’s Under 25s category.

Čech extends Chelsea contract to 2013

The Czech international goalkeeper Petr Čech has extended his contract at Chelsea. The new deal, signed last week but announced on Monday, will keep the 26-year-old at the London megaclub until 2013. The goalkeeper, who joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004, was already the best paid Czech sportsman of all time prior to putting his name to what is believed to be an improved deal.

Rosický targeting September return after surgery on hamstring

Čech’s international captain Tomáš Rosický is targeting a September return after undergoing surgery to deal with a persistent hamstring problem earlier in the summer. It’s not clear whether Rosický will make the September 10 away tie with Northern Ireland, the start of the Czech Republic’s World Cup qualifying campaign – and new Czech manager Petr Rada’s first competitive game in charge. Rada, who served as assistant to previous coach Karel Bruckner, was appointed last week.

Under 19s reach semi-finals at “home” European Championship

Czech Republic - Italy, photo: CTK

The country’s Under 19s will face Germany in the semi-finals of the European Championship in Mladá Boleslav on Wednesday. The Czechs were beaten 4:3 by Italy on Sunday but still made the last four after finishing second in their group.

First orienteering world title in 17 years for Czechs

Dana Brožková, photo: CTK

The Czech Republic has its taken first orienteering world title in 17 years. Dana Brožková, who is 27, took gold in the classic long track in front of a home crowd in Olomouc on Saturday.

Daughters of former Czech tennis stars meet in golf tournament

Young golfer Jessica Korda came first in the prestigious Girls Championship in Malvern, Pennsylvania on Friday. Aged 15, she’s the daughter of former Czech tennis player Petr Korda. Interestingly, finishing in 56th place was Daniela Lendl, whose father Ivan was one of the greatest Czech-born tennis stars of all time.