June 2, 2021 - 81:68 (44:37) KK Split victory sends the national finals into a decisive game 5 in Zadar on Friday.

Zadar had already celebrated with its fans from the balcony of Krešimir Ćosić Sports Center after the win on Friday to take a 2:0 lead in the series. Then at the game on Monday, the guests were already 16 points ahead in the second quarter and looked like the next champions. Now it looks like they celebrated too early. After tonight's defeat, Zadar will have a home-court advantage, but the Yellows now have the momentum on their side.

Split showed a remarkable reaction already during the last game. After a dunk from the Yellows' big man Luka Babić, Zadar had to take a timeout. On the way to the bench, Marko Luković from Split and Aleksandar Bursać from Zadar got into a verbal dispute that caused the teams to go head to head on the court and home coach Mile Karakaš had to wrestle Luković to the ground to save him from further disciplinary punishment. Both players were ejected and it became a turning point in the series. Zadar seemed to have lost all energy while Split started to dominate the game and managed to cut the lead by end of regular time and then easily won the game in overtime.

Burak Canboy

Both "fighters" were allowed to play again today and the game started with both teams playing on the same level. Changing leads with good outside scoring was the predominant situation in the first minutes before Zadar was able to pull away 14:21 after 9 minutes and close the quarter at 19:23.

Burak Canboy

The guests managed to lead until Split came back with a double punch. A three-pointer by Toni Perković marked the 25:27 in the 13th minute before another three-pointer by Perasović gave the Yellows a 28:27 lead. 

Burak Canboy

KK Zadar fought back and both teams were exchanging leads before Perković marked the 33:31 and Split managed to have a run to reach its biggest lead of the first half at 44:36 just before half-time (44:37).

Burak Canboy

The second half started with both teams respecting one another and none wanting to lose ground. There was a long time without scoring before Marko Luković showed the positive side of his game by hitting 2 back-to-back three-pointers to give the hosts a 56:42 lead who managed to maintain the lead until 62:48 at the end of the third quarter.

Burak Canboy

Zadar could not come back and Split managed to use its homecourt advantage for the second time and now has a shot at the title again on Friday when the decisive game at Krešimir Ćosić Sports Center will produce the 2020/2021 Croatian National Basketball Champions. 

Burak Canboy

The best players of the night were Toni Perković with 18 points (4/8 three-pointers) and Marko Luković 17 points (5/8 three-pointers). Mavra, Onuaku, and Carter were able to score double digits for the guests. 

Referees: Tomislav Vovk, Alfred Jovovich, Bojan Kruljac

Boxscore: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/HKS/1884521/ 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

June 2, 2021 -  When TC editor Iva Tatić caught the fish nobody could identify, TCN reporter Ivor Kruljac jumped to action in the hope he will find a marine life scoop. But after the dramatic realization that Atlantic lizardfish is nothing spectacular, he became a journalist clickbait victim. Meet the mystery fish on Korčula. 

It was early evening between 7 pm-8 pm on the eastern Korčula coastline on May 28. After a long week of handling the Total Croatia site, TC editor Iva Tatić decided to chill and went fishing. Instead of managing the multilingual site that brings you the best tips on how to travel and enjoy Croatia, she must've been happy with the idea she can enjoy in Croatia herself, as she was preparing two hooks – one with a squid and the other with the piece of bread. Marine life must be very humble cause instead of a squid (absolutely delicious, either fried or grilled and stuffed with swiss chard), the bread was the taken bait for the careless fish soul underneath the Adriatic surface.

Iva took the opportunity and caught its prey, but pretty soon, happiness for the catch was additionally spiced with curiosity.

the source of curiosity and happiness © Iva Tatić

„What the hell is this?“ Iva asked the local Korčula fishermen showing them her catch.

And „no idea“ was the consensus by other marine life hunters.

„Locals call it the spider“, said a local fisherman known as Pero to Iva. „It looks like Spiderman“.

Iva didn't feel that Spiderman is an accurate comparison, and as no one really knew the answer, the whole thing went online.

After Iva shared the photos of its catch on Facebook, the online jury narrowed the mystery to two possible suspects: Saurida and Atlantic lizardfish.

Still being new and wanting to gain recognition in the newsroom, I took on myself to investigate what exactly is this Aquaman-Spiderman-love-child. Perhaps it's something invasive, a threat to the lovely Adriatic, and a fantastic journalist story.

The case, the challenge, the scoop © Iva Tatić

Word on the expert street

A little bit of browsing through the pages of Rovinj Sea Research Centre (CIM), and a few calls, led me to the CIM Senior scientific associate, dr. Andrej Jaklin.

„It looks like Atlantic lizardfish, I saw that fish in person on Pelješac 15 years ago“, said Dr. Jaklin on the phone while looking at the images of the catch I sent him.

Jaklin's memory also seems fit with Pelješac being close to Korčula Island. Still, he said he can't really tell me too much about the fish and recommended it to me to contact dr. Marcelo Kovačić from the Natural History Museum Rijeka. However, dr. Kovačić, a curator for vertebrates, was on vacation, so the call was picked up by Milvana Arko-Pijevac, curator for marine invertebrates.

„I think this could be an Atlantic lizardfish, the head looks like it should, but I'm specialized for invertebrates, mollusks and shellfish“, said Silvana Arko-Pijevac.

So until that point, two experts for marine bio life are certain this is an Atlantic lizardfish (Synodus saurus). Fish, from Atlantic, I thought. Are we talking about an invasive species that manage to come to the northern dead-end of the Mediterranean all the way from the Atlantic? If so, is it hazardous to the domestic sea life of the Adriatic?

Despite recognizing the fish, neither Jaklin nor Arko-Pijevac couldn't say more details, but it's worth noting that the scientific community can once again serve as a role model to everyone who thinks they are experts on everything (both in Croatia but a trend we see spawn worldwide). Instead, my interlocutors accepted and pointed out the limits of their knowledge and suggested me someone who knows more.

Clickbait: It's not just for journalists anymore!

It took me a while to reach Dr. Jakov Dulčić from the Laboratory of Ichthyology and Coastal Fishery at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split. First, he was not in the office, and later, he was at a meeting. But, with Arko-Pijevac's claim that Dulčić is the best ichthyologist in all of Croatia, it was worth the wait.

Finally, my mobile phone impulses from Zagreb caught dr. Dulčić in Split, and I excitedly asked him for help. To identify and say a bit more about the mysterious fish fishermen in Korčula failed to recognize, but is suspected to be the Atlantic lizardfish.

„I have to see the photos to say for certain“, said Dulčić.

„I already sent them to your e-mail before this call. Can you please refresh your E-mail?“, I asked with hearable excitement in my voice and suspense in my gut.

The suspense only grew as Dulčić was opening the e-mail.

„Found it!“, he said and I almost screamed out of excitement,

„Yes, indeed, that is the Atlantic lizardfish“, confirmed Dulčić with a relaxed voice while I was ready to ask tons of questions about this weird and possibly invasive species.

„But that is neither exciting nor anything special to catch in the Adriatic“, continued Dulčić with the same chilled tone.

I listened to that sentence with a blank expression fortunately, nobody has seen it except the walls in my apartment.

„You might think it's unusual in Croatian waters because of its name, but it's the normal fish that lives in Adriatic“, added Dulčić.

I couldn't help but think what a sour poetic justice. Being a journalist, a member of the profession in which some of my colleagues try to catch views by clickbait, to be hooked (pun intended) on a clickbait in scientific terminology.

„They can be found across the Adriatic sea, everywhere in Croatia. Their population used to be smaller in the previous years, but it recently got larger. It seems they have certain cycles, but it's nothing spectacular“, he concluded.

„But how come none of the fishermen recognized it?“, I asked puzzled.

„Interestingly enough, it is often caught, but it can rarely be seen on the fish market, and that's a place thanks to which you can usually recognize fish“, explained Dulčić.

However, informing and educating fishers and the general public about marine life in the Adriatic is something dr Dulčić and the Oceanographic Institute are very dedicated to.

Presenting you the Atlantic lizardfish © Iva Tatić

This is evident by the LEKFishResCRO project.

„This project will address the need to improve knowledge on the trends in Adriatic fisheries with novel methods as well as to acknowledge recent changes in fish biodiversity in a complex Adriatic ecosystem. The central objective of the project will be to evaluate the potential use of the LEK in developing the knowledge base for fisheries management and conservation. The strategy employed for this evaluation will be a two-way discussion between fisherman and other stakeholders from one side and fisheries biologists from another side around the subject of what sorts of indicators of ecosystem health would make sense in light of both the LEK of the fishers and the research-based knowledge (RBK) of the fisheries biologists“, says LEKFishResCRO website, and with loads of materials, you can check yourself.

„We collaborate well with fishermen, we work on their education, and with their tips and images they sent from the field we quickly gather research data“, explained Dulčić.

The invasive species are legitimately a threat to Adriatic, and it comes from the Red Sea through Eastern Mediterranean, but these examples are excellent topics for some other articles.

In the meantime, the mystery fish is identified as a mainstream species in the Adriatic. Somewhat newsworthy (maybe?), but this time my ship returned without a scoop from the stormy cruise in the sea of information.

I sent a message to Iva explaining what she caught (which she already found out on her own, she is a good journalist after all), and I only confirmed that she can unfreeze it and eat it safely. Additionally, I found this recipe at least.

Korčula and Adriatic Sea, Pixabay

Enjoy the Adriatic, but respect marine life

In an attempt to conclude this investigative piece (let's pretend it is one, please) on a socially responsible and eco-friendly note, I asked dr Dulčić if there are any type of fish tourists and locals shouldn't fish because it's on the verge of extinction and if caught it should be returned to the sea immediately. „Such fish is living in areas and conditions where you can't catch it with hooks or nets. But Do not dive out noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis), or disturb mammals such as dolphins. And be careful around sharks and jellyfish“, concluded dr. Dulčić.

Learn more about Korčula on our TC page.

For more about science in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 1, 2021 - The Split Spring street food festival returns to Đardin this week with top eats, good beats, and all the summer fun you hoped for! 

After an atypical spring, the beginning of a real tourist season in Split, which has finally started with the easing of epidemiological measures, will be marked by a favorite outdoor gathering - Split Spring by Staropramen. This culinary-entertaining-cultural event will take place for the third time in Strossmayer (Đardin) Park from Thursday, June 3, to June 12.

During these ten days, all visitors will be able to enjoy the specialties of some of the best Split restaurants. The offer is respectable, and there will be something for everyone at these street food houses. Thus, restaurant pop-up street food editions will be offered by ArtiČok, Šug, Misto, Pizza prasizza by Bokamorra, Mazzgoon and Noor bar, Corto Maltese and Pandora Greenbox vegeteria, Uje oil bar, Maka Maka, Fabrique, Grill club Maestro by Biberon and the already favorite Varaždin guests - American bar Dollar. 

Since the first edition, Split Spring by Staropramen has become a favorite gathering place in Split thanks to its charm, great atmosphere, and good energy. Come out for Barcaffe coffee, breakfast, lunch, and meetings, or bring the whole family along where the kids can enjoy the Baby Center corner. There will be deck chairs with cold Staropramen and the sounds of birds chirping, and you can even relax and read a book with Jana, grab dinner with friends, and kick off an evening out with Hendricks gin & tonic, Jack Daniels, or the exciting new summer drink WAI hard seltzer.

Every night from 7:30 pm, top DJs and saxophonists will enhance the atmosphere, like DJ Matthew Bee, saxophonist Boris Plazibat and DJ JohnnY I, saxophonist Ivan Skvorc alone and in combination with DJ Sensei, Jaksa Jordes on sax, DJ Kid VA, DJ Nikki Peducci, DJ mirsaisfab, and DJ Rea. With funky, jazz, and RnB rhythms, Split Spring brings the long-awaited start of life to the city. And that is why all of you who are here should not miss visiting Đardin for the next ten sunny days. Split Spring will work from 11 am to 11 pm. 

Source: Dalmatinski Portal

For more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 1, 2021 - The latest flight news to Croatia as two new Wizz Air flights to Croatia from Vienna will land in Dubrovnik and Split! 

Avio Radar reports that Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced new routes from Vienna to Dubrovnik and Split! 

Namely, the Vienna-Dubrovnik line will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from July 4 to September 26, while the Vienna-Split line will also operate twice a week, but on Mondays and Fridays, from July 2 to September 24.

This is only the latest from Wizz Air, which has announced a series of flights to Croatia this summer. 

Last month, the airline announced its return to Dubrovnik after several years with a connection from Rome (Fiumicino Airport) three times a week, from July 1 to October 30, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Tickets were also released on the Warsaw and Dubrovnik line just over a week ago, which will operate from July 3 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until September 19. 

Wizz Air has significantly increased its operations to Split this year.

The low-cost airline will run between Rome and Split from July 2 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, until October 29. 

From June 13, WizzAir will operate between Lublin and Split, on Thursdays and Sundays, until mid-September. From June 11, it will run between Poznan and Split every Monday and Friday, also until the end of September.

Wizz Air also has lineds from Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Krakow this summer. While the airline had announced a line between Split and Oslo this year as well, the airline has decided to completely withdraw from the Norweigan airport. 

To put things into perspective, Wizz Air connected Split with only four international destinations in the summer of 2020! 

Follow the latest on flights to Croatia HERE and the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia HERE.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 31, 2021 - KK Split stays alive with an overtime win against Zadar in the Croatian basketball finals game 3 in Split on Monday (83:75). 

Split and Zadar met at Gripe in Split for the third game of the Croatian basketball championship finals. Zadar celebrated in the first two games, and one victory separated them from the title.

Ukić opened the match with a basket, and Bursać returned the favor on the other side with a three-pointer. In the fourth minute, Vranković scored for 6:8, and in the next four and a half minutes, Zadar's Mavra, Justice, and Bursać had a 13:0 series for the 21:6 lead in the ninth minute. Marić missed two free throws but got both in the next attack. Carter closed the quarter with a cross from the center at the last second. Carter hit a buzzer-beater to end the 1st quarter at 10:24 for Zadar.

Burak Canboy

Split burst into the 2nd quarter with newfound energy, but it wasn't too much for Zadar to handle. Zadar had more offensive rebounds. Carter scored for 26:10, and Ukić returned the favor with a three-pointer. Mesiček also scored (15:26), and Planinić was precise on the other side of the floor. Babić scored a three-pointer for 18:28, and Split did not score in the next four minutes. Zadar scored four points and led 32:18 by the 17th minute.

Burak Canboy

Luković scored a three-pointer, and after Perković was blocked in the counter by Bursać, Karakaš reacted violently and earned a technical. Justice scored a free throw for 21:35. Ukić scored a three-pointer, followed by a Perković field goal. The heat between Bursać and Luković resulted in a fight on the floor, and both players were excluded. Ukić scored a three-pointer, and Zadar only had a six-point advantage at halftime (29:35).

Burak Canboy

Burak Canboy

Ukić opened the 3rd quarter with a three-pointer for Split (32:35). Vuković made two free throws, and then Onuaku scored (32:39). Ukić reduced the lead to 35:39 with his fifth three-pointer, but Zadar retaliated with a three-pointer by Mavra and Justice (35:44). Perković nailed a three-pointer, and Ukić was fouled (41:44). Jordano scored five consecutive points (41:49), but Ukić returned (43:49). Thanks to Marić, Split reached 52:55 in the last minute of the 3rd quarter (54:49). 

Burak Canboy

Split was minus two (57:59) to start the final quarter. Zadar again reached a six-point advantage thanks to Carter and Onuaku. The 'Yellows' came to 61:63 with a three-pointer by Marčinković, but Zadar fought back. Carter scored for three (61:67). Five minutes before the end, Marić knocked for 68:69, but Carter soon returned (68:71). Split was in the lead for the first time (72:71) with Ukić's baskets from the free-throw line. With just over two minutes to go, Vuković missed, Onuaku jumped in the attack, and Jordano returned the advantage to Zadar with a three-pointer. Ukić was brilliant to score for 74:74. In the final minute, Junaković and Ukić could not score, moving the game to overtime.

Split managed to win in overtime 83:75, bringing the series to game 4 in Split on Wednesday! 

Source: Dalmatinski Portal 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

May 31st, 2021 - The new mayor of Split is Ivica Puljak of the Centre party, who by 10.30 p.m. won 35,565 votes, according to data released by the State Electoral Commission (DIP).

Addressing the public in his campaign headquarters, Puljak told citizens that all of them had won, both those who had voted for him and those who hadn't and that he would do everything to justify their trust.

He told them to stand by them as they had before and congratulated his opponent Vice Mihanović (HDZ), who had previously congratulated Puljak on his victory.

Speaking about the campaign, he admitted that it had been unpleasant and that he wouldn't want any campaign to be like the one in Split.

"We have apologized for the mistakes of the past and asked for forgiveness, the citizens forgave us, and we will forgive our opponents. As of today, Split is a different city, a city full of optimism and hope. Our first move will be to help citizens, as well as entrepreneurs, overcome the crisis. We are looking at a future that will be extraordinary," Puljak said.

He announced that he would start talks with other members of the city council tomorrow.

For more on politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 30, 2021 - The Marina Kastela yacht fire on Saturday night destroyed 5 yachts and damaged 18. Fortunately, no one was hurt. 

An unprecedented fire broke out last night at around 8:30 pm on one of the anchored yachts in Marina Kastela. Five luxury boats about 20 meters long were completely burned. The damage will be in the millions of euros, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

In an instant, a fire raged on a yacht for reasons not yet determined. Crew members immediately tried to put out the fire, but unfortunately, without success.

After the ropes burned on the fire-affected yacht, the ship began to float around other anchored yachts worth millions, and it didn't take long for the flames to engulf the other ships. The fire brigade immediately was at the scene and started fighting the flames, which left behind black clouds of thick smoke, making it difficult to see Split from Kastela.

"This is terrible; I've never seen a fire like this before. At that moment, that yacht was all on fire and, unfortunately, it ended in flames. People were scattering in all directions; believe me, it looked like a state of war. People were screaming, jumping for help, and suddenly it erupted even larger. That burning ship suddenly moved away from where it was moored, and the flames immediately engulfed the other yachts. Plastic was burning, probably also oil derivatives that were in them, so it is not surprising that there was so much black smoke," said one shocked local near Marina Kastela.

DVD Kastel Gomilica also arrived in Marina Kastela. The owner of Marina Kastela, Joško Berket, exclusively told Slobodna Dalmacija about the incident and how grateful he was that no one was injured. 

"I can confirm to you that five yachts burned and that the material damage was extremely great. The fire broke out on one of the yachts destroyed by the fire and the cause, although not yet confirmed, is definitely a human factor. So it's not about installation and the like. A fire broke out in the yacht at one point, and the crew onboard went to put out the fire on their own. Their ropes burned in flames in the middle of the fire, and the ship began to float towards other anchored yachts.

The flames immediately engulfed another yacht and then three more. All firefighters are on the ground and the employees of Marina Kastela, and fortunately, the wind was not blowing at the time of the fire. The situation would be much worse, and it is still catastrophic. The fire was localized around 9:40 pm. The ships in flames were pulled out and towed from Marina Kastela to Kastela Bay," Marina Kastela owner Joško Berket said exclusively for Slobodna.

Last night, the mayor of Kastela, Denis Ivanović, immediately came to the scene and said that the situation was awful. Still, thanks to the composure of people and firefighters, the situation slowly calmed down at around 9:30 pm.

"The most important thing is that people are alive and healthy," Ivanović said briefly.

Crews and tourists were evacuated from the ships at around 9:15 pm, and the authorities in the Marina tried to provide them with temporary accommodation.

A big problem in organizing the evacuation was created by many Kastela residents and curious people who came to see what was happening, regardless of the possible danger.

Marina Kastela was full yesterday because, as a rule, there is a shift of guests on Saturdays. Some leave, and others come.

As Berket confirmed to Slobodna, three of the five boats were pulled from Marina Kastela into the bay, where two completely burned and sank to the seabed, one was towed to a nearby beach, and two burned on a pontoon in the Marina.

"All boats are fully insured, there was no major damage in Marina Kastela, and the police are now doing their job to determine the circumstances and cause of the fire," said Berket, who unofficially told Slobodna that the fire started from the kitchen of the destroyed yacht.

When asked if this incident will affect the Small Shipbuilding Days, which starts next week in Marina Kastela, Berket said that it would not because the event is being held in a completely different part of Marina Kastela.

For more news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 29, 2021 -  The Gajo Bulat Square renovation in front of the HNK Split is finally complete. The new space will officially open tonight with a concert and fireworks show!

The evening before the Statehood Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders of Split, on Saturday, May 29, starting at 8 pm on the newly renovated Gajo Bulat Square, the Choir, Orchestra and Soloists of the Opera and Drama Actors of the Croatian National Theater Split will perform a gala concert as a gift to all Split citizens.

Under the direction of maestro Ivo Lipanović, tenor Božo Jurić Pešić, soprano Antonija Teskera, and bass Božo Župić will perform as soloists. The program includes arias by Split composers Josip Hatze, Ivo Tijardović, and Jakov Gotovac, as well as an aria "In battle, in battle" from the opera Nikola Šubić Zrinjski by Ivan Zajc.

Considering it is the 500th anniversary of the first edition of the epic "Judith" by Marko Marulić, actress Katarina Romac will perform a monologue by Judith, and Trpimir Jurkić will give a solemn speech given by Mayor Gajo Bulat when opening the new theater building on May 6, 1893.

After the program, fireworks will follow in front of the HNK Split building at around 9 pm, from Bedema Priuli.

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May the 29th, 2021 - Split Tech City, which is authentically Croatian, is not only working to strengthen the IT sector, but is showcasing this historic Dalmatian city as a place which can be ideal for both life and work.

 As Novac/Ljubica Vuko writes, when the very first OpenCoffee was held back in 2008, nobody could have dreamed that this meetup would reach its 130th sequel and that the Split Tech City association would emerge from connecting several technology and entrepreneurship lovers.

The latest Split Tech City announced a get together which took place on the 27th of this month, and a new panel discussion was held with people who came from other cities and countries to live and work in Split. The presentation of a new website also took place.

''The community is constantly growing and progressing and we'll continue to contribute to Split being globally recognised as a technological hub where a balanced business and family life can be led,'' stated Toni Trivkovic, the founder and president of Split Tech City who performs this function on a voluntary basis. He is also the owner and director of the "Agilo" agency, which was launched back in 2011.

With the aim of connecting the technology community, Toni Trivkovic launched the OpenCoffee meetup thirteen years ago, which connects people from the technology sector. At these events, they meet, socialise, exchange their experiences, learn from leading Croatian and foreign technology experts who are guests as lecturers sharing their knowledge.

The Split Tech City Association was launched back in 2015, and today it has about 60 members, of which 45 are companies, and the rest are individuals.

''Split Tech City actively participates in the development of the local technology sector. When we started our activities back in 2015, our main motivation was to participate in building an advanced community, which will grow and where young people will stay, organise events where people can connect and learn something new, and also promote Split as an ideal place to work and live,'' explained Trivkovic.

He added that they constantly listen to the needs of the community, so the activities they carry out are successful because the community recognises that it is intended for them.

''We organise events where you can always learn something new, and through the portal split-tehcity.com we create content that inspires and advertises jobs. We're followed by students and professionals to find out about opportunities in the local technology community and this is of great value to companies because we provide them with visibility and access to potential staff,'' Trivkovic emphasised.

He also noted that he is most proud of the conference "Live locally, work globally" where more than 220 young people listened live, and many more followed through social media, to the stories of entrepreneurs who motivated them and showed that it is possible to create global companies from Split.

''Motivation is best spread by directly transferring experiences, sharing lessons learned by the method of one's own mistakes and pointing out all the good bits. The life and business stories of young people who, despite all the obstacles they've encountered, have started a successful business in their city, are also inspiring for others who are thinking about their futures. As soon as possible, we will organise the second edition of that conference,'' stated Toni Trivkovic.

He also pointed out that the association is financed exclusively from the contributions of its members, and thanks to that they have hired one person permanently and one person part-time. One deals with web content in Croatian, the other in English and contacts people from the IT sector who have moved to Split, mostly from abroad, and are developing their businesses here.

''We come into contact with people from other countries or from other cities in Croatia, there are already many people who have come to Split and want to stay here longer. We want to contribute to even more of them coming here,'' explained Split Tech City's Toni Trivkovic.

Today, Split Tech City's Agilo consists of 11 professionals, operating globally as a B2B (business-to-business) partner for digital design and web and mobile application development. Through their volunteer work, they also refreshed the Split Tech City brand and created a new website.

''The main inspiration is picigin, an authentic game from Split, where there are no winners, but it's important to keep the ball in the air as much as possible by passing the ball around. This also outlines what our association is about, so we chose the circle element as a trademark. We're creating a healthy story that is based on the market,'' added Trivkovic, noting that they still have a lot of ideas and plans under their belts, including the organisation of a festival of technology and entrepreneurship. He also said that Split Tech City inspired some other young IT experts from across Croatia who contacted them in order to organise themselves in a similar way in their own respective cities.

For more, follow Made in Croatia.

May 28, 2021 - KK Split fought but was missing the necessary edge and luck to make a difference at 73:58 (28:28).

In the first game of the Croatian National Basketball Championship Finals, Zadar convincingly celebrated a victory against Split (81:53). Zadar dominated the entire match and with their dedication, they took the first step towards lifting the trophy for the third time. The main reason for the Zadar celebration was their defense. Coach Veljko Mršić’s squad played with high intensity and aggression. Zadar had 10 rebounds more than the guests and forced Split to 17 turnovers.

During the first match, Antonio Jordano was extremely successful from the three-point range, hitting three of his 6 attempts.

"We played a really good game but we have to leave that behind because the series is long. I think that in the next game we have to play as aggressively and focused as possible because that is the only way we will be able to fulfill some of the goals we agreed on. We have to be at a high level in defense and attack, I think that is the key for tomorrow's game. We have shown that we play as a team, we play as a team, and that is the most important thing," said Antonio Jordano last night.

At the same press conference, Veljko Mršić said that one should be careful after the first game. "I expect a good Split, it is still a team that beat Cibona twice in the semifinals. We have no right to relax after yesterday's victory, regardless of the fact that we have beaten Split four times in a row. We have to continue like this, because this is only the first third of the road, we have two more steps to win the title, that is our wish. We are going step by step, tomorrow is a new game and we are just thinking about that," said Veljko Mršić.

The normally very relaxed guest coach Mile Karakaš became very emotional during the second half of the game and stayed in Zadar with his team to fully focus on finding a way to crack the Zadar defense. He was able to start with his full roster including Perković who had missed the last game. 

The game started with slight advantages for the home team. Towards the end of the first quarter, Split brought the game to Marin Marić who could not be stopped. However, Zadar was able to pull away again with the last two attacks of the first quarter including a buzzer-beater by Carter for an 18:13 lead. 

Burak Canboy

The Yellows were able to shake off the first loss and the issues of the first quarter and continued to put pressure on Zadar's big men. Despite a low shooting percentage, Split stayed in the game and put up a good fight for the rebounds. With Marić scoring 11 points in the first half, the guests tied the game 28:28 at halftime. 

Burak Canboy

Milan Karakaš had to watch his team's luck run out in the second half. His team kept fighting against the constantly delivering home team but neither free throws nor important outside shots found their way into the basket.

Burak Canboy

Zadar out-rebounded the guests in the second half by 21:8 while Split could not even score from the free-throw line. A mere 3 shots out of nine found their target.

Burak Canboy

Burak Canboy

Despite his team having the upper hand, Zadar's top scorer Chinanu Michael Onuaku (19 points) showed some unsportsmanlike conduct in several situations towards the end of the game leading to a verbal dispute with Luka Babić after the final whistle. Maybe he sparked the fire that Split will need to get back into this series.

The next two games will be played in Split on Monday and Wednesday. Zadar only needs one more win to finish the season with their third title.

Referees: Luka Kardum, Tomislav Vovk, Alfred Jovović

Box score: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/HKS/1884507/

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