Jorgić's Zagreb struggles continue; eyes Ljubljana tournament

Darko Jorgić, the world's 13th-ranked table tennis player, experienced a disappointing exit from the WTT Contender tournament in Zagreb, falling in the opening round. The 27-year-old Slovenian was defeated 3-1 by India's Manav Thakkar, who is ranked 35th in the world. This marks a recurring struggle for Jorgić in the Croatian capital, as he also faced an early exit in Zagreb previously.

Despite a strong start in the first set, leading 3-0, Jorgić couldn't maintain his momentum. Thakkar, 26, fought back, securing the second set after a comeback and clinching the third. The fourth set saw Jorgić rally from a 0-5 deficit to tie the game at 7-7, but Thakkar ultimately secured the win with three match points.

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Zagreb really doesn't suit me. My game wasn't nearly at the level it was in other tournaments. I made too many unforced errors and wasn't stable enough from start to finish. The opponent played well, and I was simply too weak. Fatigue from the long tournament in North Macedonia probably also played a role. But in the end, it's another first-round defeat in Zagreb, which is unfortunately nothing new for me. The conditions here clearly don't suit me, so I have to look ahead.

Jorgić expressed his frustration with the Zagreb venue, stating, "Zagreb really doesn't suit me. My game wasn't nearly at the level it was in other tournaments. I made too many unforced errors and wasn't stable enough from start to finish." He also suggested that fatigue from his previous tournament in North Macedonia might have played a role.

Looking ahead, Jorgić is shifting his focus to the upcoming WTT Star Contender tournament in Ljubljana. "The tournament in Ljubljana is next week, where I will try to win as many points as possible and give my maximum," he said. "But all the players are very high quality and the competition will be extremely strong. I need to rest, prepare well, and focus on the Ljubljana tournament."

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The tournament in Ljubljana is next week, where I will try to win as many points as possible and give my maximum. But all the players are very high quality and the competition will be extremely strong. I need to rest, prepare well, and focus on the Ljubljana tournament.