Sports News

Nicole Vaidisova, photo: MFDnes, 18.10.2004

In Sports News: new Czech tennis star Nicole Vaidisova, 15, wins her second WTA title; Czech men's number one Jiri Novak quashes speculation he is planning to retire this year; Sparta beat Slavia in the Prague 'S' football derby and are now looking forward to a Champions League match at home against Man United; Josef Musil becomes the first Czech ever inducted into the volleyball Hall of Fame.

Vaidisova wins second title at just 15

Czech tennis player Nicole Vaidisova has, at just 15, won her second tournament on the women's tour, the Tashkent Open. Vaidisova - who was unseeded - beat Virginie Razzano of France 5-7 6-3 6-2 in Sunday's final. Not bad for somebody who made her debut in March, aged 14, at number 264 in the world rankings. Vaidisova has an interesting background: the niece of former Czech tennis star Daniel Vacek, she spent her childhood in Germany and she now lives in Florida. But that does not take away from the fact that Czech tennis has a new star.

Vaidisova wasn't the only Czech player to have a good weekend, with Cyril Suk and Martin Damm winning the doubles at the CA Trophy in Vienna.

Novak quashes speculation he plans to retire this year

Czech number one Jiri Novak has rejected speculation that he will retire at the end of this season. Why would I quit when I'm playing so well, says the 29-year-old from Zlin, who recently won the sixth ATP title of his career.

Sparta beat Slavia 2:0 in Prague derby

There's no doubt about what was the big game in the Czech football league at the weekend, with leaders Sparta Prague playing host to old rivals Slavia in what's called the 'S' derby. Sparta confirmed their dominance of recent years with a 2:0 win, with both goals coming from defender Jiri Homola. A missed penalty by Karel Pitak only added to the visitors' woes.

Man Utd visit game of the season in Czech club football

The derby was one big day out for Sparta fans but Tuesday night will see the game of the season at Letna stadium, with the visit of one of the world's biggest clubs Manchester United for a Champions League group game. Expect a complete sell-out as Czech fans take advantage of a rare chance to see the likes of Van Nistelrooij, Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and one of the world's most talked about players - Wayne Rooney.

Chovanec to take over as manager of Russia?

Former Sparta and Czech international boss Josef Chovanec could be about to make a comeback to management: press reports suggest he may take over as coach of the Russian national team.

Josef Musil first Czech in volleyball Hall of Fame

Josef Musil has become the first Czech ever inducted into the volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In the 1950s and 60s Musil, who is now 72, won two World Championships, two European Championships, an Olympic silver and an Olympic bronze. He is widely regarded as the greatest Czech volleyball player of all time.