World Championships | 24 Apr 2019

Tomislav PUCAR created top rate upset in Hungexpo

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships

 

Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR created top rate upset by beating World’s no. 12 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany in the Round of 32 of the Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships. In Budapest’s Hungexpo he succeeded in seven thrilling games (9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-2, 5-11, 7-11).

 

European Under 21 Championships from Sochi, PUCAR started very good.

 

“I had great help from Andrej GACINA. He played against OVTCAHROV many times before so he wrote me few “tips”; I watched his matches on you tube and set a good tactic with my coach. I was well prepared,” said PUCAR.

 

PUCAR controlled the match, leaving OVTCHAROV one step behind.

 

“The tactic proved good for the beginning, but in the sixth game, Dimitrij recovered completely; he adjusted his game. Then, I had to change something, to put more variations in service and strokes,” added Tomislav.

 

Without any doubts, Tomislav was happy with his performance so far in Budapest.

 

“This is my third World Championships, but I never went beyond first round. I was little bit worry when I saw the draw and Bastian STEGER in the opening round. He was the toughest adversary from the Groups. When I beat him it gave me self confidence. Next one was ACHANTA and that was really good thing. I beat him on my way to the semi final in Oman. After that I saw OVTCHAROV and I was delighted. All my hopes for the draw were not to play against Asian players,” explained PUCAR.  

 

OVTCHAROV admitted that PUCAR w2as mentally stronger this time.

 

“He put more risks into his game. He played better and deserved this win,” underlined OVTCHAROV.