Milivoj Dukić and Ilija Marković were over the start line early in the opening sailing race at the Mediterranean Games, but improved their performances as the competition continued. In the second race, Dukić finished third, while Marković took 14th place.
The competition is strong, with 20 sailors taking part, and another ten races remain. Dukić and Marković will continue competing tomorrow.
“The conditions were difficult, with light winds. In the first race, I was a little too impatient and tried to control things I shouldn’t have. It was a good warning for what awaited me later. In the next race, I managed to get things together quite well and sailed the way I should have. I finished third, and I can say that I survived a day that could easily have produced bigger mistakes. I am looking forward to what comes next. I know it will be demanding, because the competition, with young athletes, is extremely strong,” Dukić said.
Marković is hoping for a better result as the competition continues.
“It was not really the best day for me, but I am satisfied with the first race, even though I had two setbacks or penalties. When I crossed the finish line, I found out that I had been over the line early. In the next race, the wind was not on my side and I finished 14th. I can see that there is still plenty of room for improvement in top-level competition,” Marković said.
Nikčević completes singles campaign — Tea Nikčević was defeated 6:0, 6:0 by tournament top seed Noemi Basiletti in the round of 16 at the Mediterranean Games. The Italian player is currently ranked 265th in the world.
“The score is not a true reflection of the match. I had opportunities, but I was not solid and decisive enough in my game. The Italian kept getting back into the points, while my serve was not at the required level. Some problems emerged during the match that I had not expected. I would say that I gave everything I had, but I did not show my best qualities. I wanted to show my best tennis. At times I managed to do that, but it was not good enough,” Nikčević said.
PHOTO and VIDEO gallery – Team MNE @ Taranto 2026 – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2GR8
