Czech's down Slovakia in clash of old foes

 THE Czech Republic began their Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic campaign with a hard-fought win against fierce rivals Slovakia at Canada Hockey Place.

HAPPY CHAPS: Jaromir Jagr and Roman Cervenka celebrate after the Czech Republic overcome Slovakia in this battle of old foes in Vancouver (Getty Images)

Formerly Czechoslovakia, these two countries peacefully split in 1993, but there was no love lost as they clashed in Vancouver with three goals in the second period enough to see off Slovakia.

Patrick Elias put the Czechs on their way, rifling past Slovakian goaltender Jaroslav Halak on nine minutes.

But after just 47 seconds of the second period, Slovakia, three places below the Czech Republic in the world standings, pulled level though Marian Gaborik.

However, two goals in the closing stages ultimately put paid to Slovakia's chances of victory as Jarmomir Jagr and Tomas Plekanec gave the Czechs a crucial two-goal cushion before a goalless third period.

  AS IT HAPPENS: Day six of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver