It became clear at the beginning of the summer, and now it has received another confirmation – pickleball has arrived in Dalmatia. And in a big way. We watched more than 50 players in 150 matches across five categories in Stobreč on the courts of the Pickleball Club 002. The Christmas tournament organized by the largest pickleball center in Europe attracted great interest from lovers of this sport, the number of which is increasing every day. The numbers say it all, and perhaps most of all the number of members, which exceeded 860 in less than half a year!
The Christmas tournament enriched the sports weekend in Split. Competitions were held in five categories: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The main sponsor of the tournament, Tommy, provided rich prizes, so all winners received a gift voucher in the amount of 150 euros for shopping in Tommy stores. A silver medal meant a voucher of 100 euros, and a bronze medal meant a voucher of 50 euros.
The ladies have the advantage, so let's start with them. In the individual competition, Gorana Kadijević won the gold medal with dominant performances. Karla Jonjić finished with silver, and Iva Buva with bronze. As for the women's pairs, Veronika Mahić and Hana Dragojević won the gold. Second place went to the pair Jonjić – Buva, and third to Zrinka and Sara Tičić.
The mixed doubles competition was a great battle. After three grueling sets, the gold medal was deservedly won by Veronika Mahić and Matej Kudrić. Matea and Ivan Renić had to settle for silver, while Sara Tičić and Ivan Matenda took third place.
The men's doubles matches were particularly attractive. Due to the close competition, the program was prolonged, and the best in the end were Bruno and Mateo Terze, who defeated the seasoned tennis pair Ljubo Knezović - Daniel Mihanović in the final, who tried their hand at pickleball. Third place and the bronze medal went to Zoran Mamić and Luka Ivanković.
The men's singles category was at the end of the program. After matches in four groups, the knockout phase began. With 2:0 in sets, the final went to Kristian Ževrnja, who was better than Đivo Buconić. Bruno Terze finished with bronze around his neck.
In addition to the tournament, there was also a Christmas gathering on the courts with traditional Advent specialties - sausages and fritters. It is worth noting that Pickleball Club 002, in addition to being the largest, was officially declared the best pickleball club in Europe by the Pickleball Passport, RAQT.com and Dinking Times websites, for which it received a special certificate and trophy.
Women, individually:
1. Gorana Kadijevic
2. Karla Jonjic
3. Iva Buva
Women, couples:
1. Veronika Mahić and Hana Dragojević
2. Karla Jonjić and Iva Buva
3. Zrinka Tičić and Sara Tičić
Mixed pairs:
1. Veronika Mahić and Matej Kudrić
2. Matea Renić and Ivan Renić
3. Sara Tičić and Ivan Matenda
Men, individually:
1. Kristian Ževrnja
2. Đivo Buconić
3. Bruno Terze
Men, couples:
1. Bruno Terze and Mateo Terze
2. Ljubo Knezović and Daniel Mihanović
3. Zoran Mamic and Luka Ivankovic
Photo: Press
