Jovica Marković delivered an excellent performance in the trap qualifications. He missed just one target in each of the first two series before recording a perfect score of 25 out of 25 in the third, finishing the first part of qualification with a total of 73 hits from 75 targets and a realistic chance of reaching the final. Qualification continues tomorrow from 10:00, with another 50 targets, divided into two series of 25. The top eight competitors will advance to the final.
“The competition is strong, with Olympic champions and winners of world championships and cups. I shot three good series, with only two misses and a total score of 73 out of 75 targets. If I maintain this level, I can reach the final. Tomorrow, I will face the same competitors. I will try to stay at today’s level and will give everything I have to maintain the quality of my performance,” Marković said.
Nikčević and Jovanović among the last 16 — Petar Jovanović and Tea Nikčević advanced to the last 16 of the tennis tournament at the Mediterranean Games.
Jovanović’s opponent, Dimitris Azoidis of Greece, retired due to injury in the first game of the opening set, with the score at 15:15. “First of all, I would like to say that I am satisfied with the organisation by the hosts and NOC Montenegro. As for the match, unfortunately, it ended right at the start because my opponent twisted his ankle and was unable to continue. My next opponent is Spain’s Sánchez Quílez, ranked 446th on the ATP rankings. He is the favourite, but I have caused upsets against much stronger opponents before. I expect to win and hope I can progress towards a medal,” Jovanović said.
Tea Nikčević made an excellent performance to defeat Greece’s Elena Korokozidi 6:1, 6:2. In two days’ time, she will face her toughest opponent, Italy’s top seed Noemi Basiletti. “This is the biggest win for me and I am glad it happened here. I played an almost perfect match, exactly the way I had planned. My serve was at the highest level, I was composed, and I started the match exactly as I needed to. I am really pleased with how I came through it. I feel ready, and the surface is ideal and suits my game,” Nikčević said.
Dragović completes debut appearance in 16th place — Montenegro’s rhythmic gymnastics representative Nina Dragović completed the qualifications in 16th place.
The young Montenegrin athlete competed with the hoop and ball in the morning session, followed by the clubs and ribbon in the afternoon programme. She did not reach the final, but her debut at the Mediterranean Games provided valuable experience ahead of future challenges. “I would like to thank the people who made it possible for me to come to the Mediterranean Games, first of all NOC Montenegro, the Federation, my coaches and my parents. As for the competition, not everything went as planned in the morning programme, but things went well later on. Unfortunately, I did not reach the final, but this is only my first appearance at the Mediterranean Games. I hope that at the next competition the result will be even better and that I will qualify for the final,” Dragović said.
Kuljača completes her appearance in Taranto — Jovana Kuljača delivered an excellent performance in the 50m freestyle in Taranto. The Montenegrin swimmer completed the distance in 27.08, her third-best time. A day earlier, the Montenegrin record holder swam the 100m freestyle at the Mediterranean Games in a time of 1.01.
“The race was fantastic and I felt good. I had the fastest reaction and start of everyone, and I was among the top three, but I am disappointed about the final 15 metres. My legs gave out, but it is what it is. This is my third-best time in a season that has been perfect, with many national records,” Kuljača said.
PHOTO and VIDEO gallery – Team MNE @ Taranto 2026 – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2GR8
