Servet Çetin, Uður Boral and Semih Þentürk, 27, 26 and 25 respectively, all swotted-up for an ÖSS university examination at 9.00CET as they sought to complete their education with a sporting academy degree. With invigilators flown in from Turkey in attendance, the trio picked up pen and paper at the La Reserve hotel in Geneva, with a joint statement saying: "We want to have happiness in the morning and in the evening."

Two things. Firstly, what a bunch of smart- arses. Secondly, which genius decided to arrange an exam on the morning of a key game? Surely they know that the three players, in pure student style, will have been up all night on coffee and Pro-plus, and will celebrate their efforts after the exam by going and getting ratted in the hotel bar?

<<back to diary home