Zagreb Arena hosts top table tennis stars

Zagreb Arena hosts some of the world’s best table tennis players this week at the WTT Contender tournament, taking place from Tuesday to Sunday.

This is the first time the tournament is held in the Arena, as Dom sportova is undergoing renovation. Moving to the city’s most attractive sports venue presents organizational and logistical challenges but is also the most fitting and exclusive location for top players. For Croatia, this event is a preparation for the main event of the year, the European Championship, scheduled for October in Zadar.

“Our tournament traditionally attracts large attendance, and we are proud it is recognized as the strongest in the Contender series. Holding it in the Arena for the first time is an organizational challenge, but I must praise Director Renato Čengić, Secretary Goran Radanović, and Office Manager Josipa Zajec for their hard work. The venue looks outstanding. The tournament is strong as usual, with excellent players. I look forward to the competition and hope our men and women perform well. Recently, we have reasons to be proud: Lea Rakovac reached the Round of 16 at the World Championship in Doha, the first Croatian female player to do so in 20 years since Tamara Boroš. Tomislav Pucar has defeated many strong players in recent tournaments, reaching quarterfinals and semifinals, while Filip Zeljko performed excellently in qualifications, beating the top seed from China,” said Primorac.

The coach of the Croatian women’s team, Dragutin Šurbek, emphasized that many Asian players will compete in Zagreb, raising the tournament’s quality and importance. He added:

“As for us, five players will participate. Unfortunately, Ivana Malobabić cannot compete. In the qualification rounds, Dora Ćosić, Andreja Pavlović, and Mateja Jeger Majstorović will play, while Hana Arapović and Lea Rakovac are in the main draw. As always, I hope the girls will give their best. We have played well in recent months, though sometimes results don’t reflect our true performance. It could have been better, but I hope we show our best in Zagreb.”

Lea Rakovac enters the tournament in top form:

“I personally hope for a good fight and play, not just for myself but for all of us, men and women. The tournament is strong, as it is every year, but we have shown we can beat and compete with anyone.”

Neven Karković, coach of the men’s team, said:

“I’m especially looking forward to the tournament in Zagreb for several reasons. First, because we finally don’t have to travel. Second, because we receive excellent feedback from all sides about this tournament, not just because it’s ours. It is one of the best-organized tournaments, from accommodation to the venue, especially now with the Arena. Regarding our team, of course, our top player is Tomislav Pucar, who is in the main draw, and I hope he maintains his form. When he is in good shape, he can compete with anyone, including the top-seeded Japanese player Harimoto, whom I believe he has beaten before. There is no player Tomislav cannot beat. We are somewhat weakened because Andrej Gaćina cannot play due to the European Cup final. We also have injury issues: Frane Tomislav Kojić has had a knee problem for some time. We don’t want to risk worsening it since our main goal this year is the European Championship in Zadar, where we want everyone to be fully prepared. Also, young Ivor Ban won’t be able to participate as he’s recovering from hip surgery. Besides Pucar, Filip Zeljko, who received a main draw invitation, will compete. We also have three young players in qualifications: Leon Benko, Borna Petek, and Ivan Hencl. I must highlight that Benko and Hencl are currently ranked first in the world juniors’ doubles rankings, so this is a great chance for them to gain experience and maybe even surprise.”

Currently, the best Croatian table tennis player, Tomislav Pucar, is the top hope for results at the Arena this year.

“This tournament is very strong because it is calendar-wise connected with tournaments in Macedonia and Slovenia, so many players stay in this part of Europe for three weeks to play consecutive tournaments. For me, of course, it depends a lot on the draw; I could start against the top seed right away, though I believe I can compete with everyone,” Pucar added.