News roundup - Tuesday, 3 August, until 3pm

Slovenia make it to semifinals of Olympic basketball tournament

TOKYO, Japan - Slovenia advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympic basketball tournament in a historic feat by defeating Germany 94:70. In their debut Olympic appearance, Slovenia remain unbeaten in Tokyo and will face France for a medal in the semis on Thursday at 1pm CET. Slovenia outperformed Germany in all elements, particularly in rebounding. Commenting, NBA star Luka Dončić said this was perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him and his teammates to bag an Olympic medal.

Coronavirus count hits 181 as over 10% tests positive Monday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's daily coronavirus count hit 181 on Monday, the highest daily increase in infections since 9 June, as the test positivity rate exceeded 10%, data from National Institute of Public Health show. The 7-day average of new cases rose by ten to 97 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents increased by four to 55. There are now an estimated 1,195 active cases in the country.

Iberia launches flights between Ljubljana and Madrid

BRNIK - Spanish flag carrier Iberia launched scheduled flights between Madrid and Ljubljana on Monday. Two weekly flights are for now planned until the end of August, but airport operator Fraport Slovenija would like to see the route become year-round as soon as possible. On the first flight, Iberia's Airbus A320 brought just over 140 passengers to Ljubljana, and around 70 flew back to Madrid. Madrid is the 12th destination available from Ljubljana airport, with at least three more expected by the end of September.

Dončić to land $202m contract extension with Mavericks

DALLAS/MIAMI, US - Slovenian NBA star Luka Dončić is to sign a five-year, $202 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks after the Tokyo Olympics, US media have reported. The deal is expected to be offered to the 22-year-old before he enters the final year of his rookie contract, said web portal Bleacher Report and acclaimed sports reporter and NBA expert Marc Stein. Meanwhile, another Slovenian NBA player Goran Dragić is moving from the Miami Heat to the Toronto Raptors, but might be even re-routed to the Mavericks in the final move.

Pogačar skips Vuelta, Roglič to defend title

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar seems to be skipping the 2021 Vuelta as he is scheduled to attend a reception at his native town of Komenda on 13 August, one day ahead of the start of the tour around Spain. Pogačar, the double Tour de France winner, will be welcomed home after winning bronze in the road race at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Primož Roglič, the Olympic champion in the time trial, will take part in the Vuelta to defend his two-time title.