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Tragic schoolgirl Julia to be laid to rest An Austrian schoolgirl whose disappearance was once linked to incest monster Josef Fritzl is to be buried today.
Camera leads to hit and run boarder arrest Austrian police have arrested a hit-and-run snow boarder after issuing the man's picture to local media.
Vranitzky appreciates tuition fees discussion Former Social Democratic (SPÃ–) Chancellor Franz Vranitzky has said he welcomes the current debate about a reintroduction of tuition fees.
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Wiener Linien records rising demand for annual passes The number of people opting for annual Wiener Linien tickets is soaring.
Vice chancellor refuses to exclude FPÃ– The Peopleâ€™s Party (Ã–VP) keeps refusing to disassociate itself from the Freedom Party (FPÃ–) following FPÃ– leader Heinz-Christian Stracheâ€™s controversial comparisons with the Nazi era.
Vienna Ã–VP endorses proposed district cuts Vienna Peopleâ€™s Party (Ã–VP) Josefstadt district head Veronika Mickel suggested continuing to speak about a reduction of positions in the city's administration.
Electricity prices 'should be lower' The head of energy sector authority E-Control has claimed Austrians are paying too much for electricity.
Ellensohn ready for district cost cutbacks Viennese Councillor David Ellensohn has claimed Austriaâ€™s financial difficulties could be solved in one step if the Peopleâ€™s Party (Ã–VP) gave up its blockade against a tax on assets.
Ã–VP-FPÃ– coalition option unaffected by 'New Jews' quote Leading Peopleâ€™s Party (Ã–VP) representatives have refused to rule out forming a coalition with the Freedom Party (FPÃ–) after the coming election - despite disputed statements by the right-wing partyâ€™s chairman.
Hundstorfer confident despite rising unemployment Austria registered a rise in joblessness last month â€“ but the number of employed people rose as well.
Retail trade turnover tumbles Austriaâ€™s retail trade has suffered a decline in turnover.

20. 07. 10. - 15:30

Spindelegger on Klestil's 'cries of desperation' on tennis court

People’s Party (ÖVP) Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger has told how he used to let late Austrian President Thomas Klestil win in tennis to evade his "temperament".

Spindelegger – a tennis enthusiast – teamed up with a friend many times in the early 1990s to play former ÖVP Defence Minister Robert Lichal and Klestil, back then general secretary in the foreign ministry.

He told the Kurier newspaper today (Tues) that he only had nice memories of these matches – despite his opponents’ vast ambitions.

Spindelegger revealed: "It might have happened that I let Klestil win."

The minister explained Klestil and Lichal expressed "loud cries of desperation" after making mistakes on the court.

Speaking about Klestil, Spindelegger said: "I enjoy seeing how someone who acts so calmly and circumspectly in politics loses it on the court."

He added: "I only play for fun, I don’t have to win."

Asked whether he has any fits of rage at any time, Spindelegger said: "This might happen maybe once a year – but not on the tennis court."

Klestil was Austrian President for 12 years and tragically passed away two days before the end of his term in 2004.

Spindelegger on Klestil's 'cries of desperation' on tennis court

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