Cech cashes in for second time for top award

PRAGUE, June 6 (Reuters) Chelsea keeper Petr Cech won the Golden Ball award as the Czech Republic's player of the season for the second time in a row, beating five-times winner Pavel Nedved of Italian champions Juventus.

The 24-year-old, who became the first keeper to win the trophy last year, played a pivotal role in helping Chelsea to retain their Premier League title.

He also helped the Czech Republic to qualify for the World Cup finals where they will meet Italy, the US and Ghana in Group C.

Playmaker Tomas Rosicky, who recently signed for Premier League rivals Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund, came third, followed by Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi.

REUTERS AY BST1244