Sports News

This week in Sport News: Czech Republic draws against Wales in Euro 2008 qualifier; Nicole Vaidisova reaches last eight in French Open; in the second Czech football division, Bohemians 1905 lose their home match while Viktoria Zizkov, having already won the second league and moving on to the first, sign up a new coach. Nymburk beats Prostejov in the final series of the basketball league; and Jaromir Jagr comes home for the summer.

Czech Republic draw 0:0 in Wales

Photo: CTK

The Czech national football team drew 0:0 in Wales in the Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday. Second to Germany in the D group of the qualifier and only one point ahead of Ireland, the Czechs were hoping for victory and a full three points to allow them a more relaxed summer before the final qualifying games later this year. But the Welsh, with legend Ryan Giggs playing his last game for the national side, did not allow the Czech team much. Czech coach Karel Bruckner has come under renewed criticism for not altering a stale Czech line-up. There have even been calls for him to step down.

Nicole Vaidisova goes on to quarterfinals at French Open, Safarova fails

Nicole Vaidisova, photo: CTK

Czech tennis player Nicole Vaidisova beat Tathiana Garbin of Italy 6:3 6:1 in the fourth round at Rolland Garros in Paris on Sunday, reaching the last eight. In the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Vaidisova, the tournament's sixth seed, will confront Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, seeded fourth. Lucie Safarova was unable to repeat a great performance from the third round on Saturday when she beat fifth seed Amelie Mauresmo; she lost to Russia's Anna Chekvatadze.

Czech motorcyclist Lukas Pesek crashes in Italian GP, losing leadership in the series

In the sixth event of the MotoGP season this year, Czech 125 ccm racer Lukas Pesek did not see the checkered flag in the Italian GP as he fell at the last turn of the race. He had been in fifth place. Pesek, who led the series after coming in second in France two weeks ago, started the race from eighth position. After a mistake he made in the 12th lap, he had to speed up and still managed to reach the front of the race, before falling in the final lap. Pesek is now third in the overall standings.

Bohemians 1905 lose a home game 0:1 to Sokolov

Bohemians 1905, currently second in standings in the Czech second league, lost their home match 0:1 to Sokolov on Sunday failing to secure their position. If they finish second at the end of the season they will advance to the first division next year together with the winner, Viktoria Zizkov. HFK Olomouc, in third, are also contending for the spot, which means that their match next Monday will be of major importance to both teams.

Nymburk scores victory over Prostejov in first match of basketball finals

Nymburk - Prostejov, photo: CTK

In the final series of the Czech basketball league on Friday, Nymburk beat Prostejov 97:60. Nymburk won the competition in the last four years, while Prostejov will be seeking revenge on their home turf where the finals continue on Wednesday.

Jaromir Jagr comes home four weeks after New York Rangers drop out of Stanley Cup

Jaromir Jagr, photo: CTK

Jaromir Jagr, the New York Rangers' captain, arrived in the Czech Republic on Sunday for the summer break. His team made it to the play-offs, but dropped out in the second round. Jagr, who became the best foreign player in NHL's history this year with the total of 1528 points, is planning to get ready for the new NHL season that might be his last as his contract with the New York Rangers expires next year.