Basque pelota blog in english – Dos paredes

The overal Pairs Championship table, with five rotations to go, is as follows:

In the Promocion Championship this week,

RICO IV – OTXANDORENA* beat MENDIZABAL III – LADIS GALARZA 22-11

GORKA – ARRUTI beat TAINTA – OTXANDORENA* 22-11

JAUNARENA – PENAGARIKANO* beat LEMUNO – ARETXABALETA 22-19

URRUTIKOETXEA – IZA beat APEZETXEA – LARRINAGA 22-20

Things are looking up for Inaki Iza

The Promocion table, with five rotations to go, is now as follows:

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MARTINEZ DE IRUJO –BARRIOLA beat BERASALUZE VIII – ALBISU 22-13

A narrow loss to Titin and Merino last week aside, Berasaluze and Albisu had been going excellently in recent rotations. They must surely have come into this match at a teeming Idiazabal with high hopes of toppling Irujo and Barriola, who were looking to stave off a third loss on the bounce. However, in a match which was not always pretty, the favourites battled from 2-6 to 15-8 and maintained a comfortable margin to the end. Irujo clearly had the better of Berasaluze, who was too error prone to maintain any lasting pressure. He managed nine winners to three errors, and while his forward rival beat him nine times, he also lapsed on seven occasions. The defenders were slightly more evenly matched, but the figures give an accurate indication of a Barriola who was more in control than his young counterpart Albisu. Irujo and Barriola rise to second, while Berasaluze and Albisu slip below them into third.

Scoring sequence: 1-0/5-1/6-2/7/8-15/10-15/11-17/13-18/13-22

Winners/errors: Irujo 9/3, Berasaluze 9/7, Barriola 2/1, Albisu 0/3

Match time: 52 minutes with 21 minutes of actual play. Balls hit: 449

OLAIZOLA II-BEROIZ v ARITZ LASA-PASCUAL* Suspended at 14-9 due to an injury to Pascual

Aitor Zubieta was replaced by Inigo Pascual in Tolosa due to an injured hand, and it was extraordinary bad luck for he and partner Aritz Lasa that his replacement succumbed to a strained back soon after. Lasa and Zubieta badly need points and this misfortune robbed them of any chance, though in reality a win against the top pair would have been unlikely. Neither has it done much for their points difference; while Olaizola and Beroiz had begun to accelerate away when the injury occurred, they were not completely out of the running and would likely have minimised the damage at the least. As it is, Olaizola and Beroiz now have their seventh win and stay resolutely on top, while Lasa and Zubieta only have two and are second from bottom.

TITIN III-MERINO* beat ARRETXE II-BEGINO 22-12

Arretxe and Begino travelled to Logrono with a mountain to climb if they wished to secure their first win of the competition. Titin and Miguel Merino, playing in place of his brother David who has an injured hand, were the favourites here and had the added advantage of a home Riojan crowd. The underdogs started well and tracked their rivals closely before drawing alongside them at 8-8. Begino showed some of his true class early on, taking the game to Merino but when the latter found his form, Begino had Little answer.Titin was far more potent tan Arretxe, who continues to appear rather out of his depth in the top flight.

Scoring sequence: 4-0/ 4/ 7-4/ 7-5/ 7/ 8-7/ 8/ 14-8/ 14-9/ 16-9/ 16-10/ 20-10/ 20-11/ 21-12/ 22-12

Winners/errors: Titin 12/2, Arretxe 8/4, Merino 2/2, Begino 1/4

Match time: 56 minutes, Balls hit: 488

Titin III out did Arretxe II with ease

In the Promocion Championship, Urrutikoetxea-Otxandorena* beat Gorka-Arruti 22-13, Mendizabal III-Penagarikano beat Lemuno-Aretxabaleta 22-14, Apezetxea*-Larrinaga beat Tainta-Mendizabal II* 22-10, and Ongay*-Cecilio beat Rico IV-Untoria 22-17.

Photo: mine

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I have been away this week with no time for pelota, so for week 6 a very brief summary must suffice! I hope that normal service will resume next week.

XALA – LASKURAIN (17) v OLAIZOLA II – BEROIZ (22) should on paper have been a hotly anticipated encounter, but given the former pairing’s lowly status in the table, it was less meaningful than it might have been. For the unbeaten favourites, qualification was almost certain already, but for Xala and Laskurain it was a chance to boost their recovery. Although Olaizola and Beroiz remained ahead almost throughout, the match was close at times, and despite losing to the form partnership Xala and Laskurain should take some heart; they can still make the last four and from there anything is still possible.

ARRETXE II – BEGINO (14) v ARITZ LASA – ZUBIETA (22) saw the bottom two square off. Lasa and Zubieta began the tournament with a bang, beating Xala and Laskurain in week one, but since then they have been undone largely by the inconsistency of Lasa and his lack of potency against the cream of the forwards. This was a must win game both for their morale and for any chances they might harbour of a recovery and a semi final chance. They showed themselves stronger from the start, and although Arretxe and Begino came back at them to make it 10-10, their greater strength told. The nightmare continues for Arretxe and Begino.

MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – BARRIOLA (15) v BENGOETXEA VI – APRAIZ (22) provided the shock of the weekend. From unbeaten brilliance two weeks ago, Irujo and Barriola have now suffered two defeats on the bounce. Last week’s, against Olaizola and Beroiz, was no disgrace but this was less expected. Bengoetxea, who was stunning here, and Apraiz have failed to shine as we know they can for the majority of the competition, but this is a fabulous boost for them and propels them bang into the hunt for a place in the top four.

TITIN III – MERINO II (22) v BERASALUZE VIII – ALBISU (20) provided the closest encounter of the weekend, as the Riojans clawed their way to 22 past a beligerent Berasaluze. The point gives Titin and Merino fourth place for the moment but with Bengoetxea and Apraiz level on points in fifth, the last thing they can afford to do is to rest on their laurels. Berasaluze and Albisu, despite losing here, leapfrog Irujo and Barriola thanks to their points difference and sit in second.

In the Promocion Championship Jaunarena-Cecilio beat Mendizabal III-Ladis Galarza 22-15, Olazabal-Larrinaga beat Gorka-Arruti 22-7, Urrutikoetxea-Otxandorena* beat Lemuno-Aretxabaleta 22-9 and Rico IV-Mendizabal II* beat Tainta-Otxandorena 22-21.

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Friday 20^th January, Azpeitia

XALA – LASKURAIN beat SARALEGI – BEGINO 22-6

While Xala and Laskurain continue to improve week to week, matters for Arretxe and Begino get worse. Arretxe’s injury in the previous game meant a match forfeited and his replacement, Saralegi, proved unable to do anything to inspire Begino to the heights of which we know he is capabale. This was an annihilation, in which Xala hit with abandon on his way to eleven winners while the replacement forward appeared totally at a loss. Laskurain was far more potent than Begino and absolutely dominant at the back. It is hard to see where the bottom pair can go from here.

Saturday 21^st January, Logrono

TITIN III – MERINO II beat BENGOETXEA VI – APRAIZ 22-14

This was a surprisingly easy win for the home favourites at Adarraga. Titin and Merino’s advantage was comfortable throughout the game but for a small moment of worry at 13-11, with Merino the standout performer, putting immense pressure on Benogetxea who was never able to break free. Titin followed not far behind his apprentice in the quality stakes, making great use of the gantxo. Apraiz gave him far too much room to work with and he accepted every invitation.

Scoring sequence: 2-0, 2-1, 7-1, 7-2, 9-2, 9-5, 12-5, 12-8, 13-8, 13-11, 17-11, 17-13, 20-13, 20-14, 22-14

Monday 23^rd January, Tolosa

BERASALUZE VIII – ALBISU beat ARITZ LASA – ZUBIETA 22-17

This was an improvement on the previous week for Lasa and Zubieta, who led for a significant proportion of the match before being outdone at the death by the pair who are proving to be the best of the rest after the clear top two. Berasaluze proved the main instigator in the latter part of the game, where his determination and venom wrestled the initiative from the Aspe pair. Albisu, the young tournament debutante, appeared as comfortable as a veteran, supporting his more experienced partner with a calm grace.

Promocion Championship results were as follows: Olazabal-Larrinaga beat Rico IV-Mendizabal II* 22-18, Gorka-Arruti beat Olaetxea*-Aretxabaleta 22-21, Jaunarena-Merino beat Urrutikoetxea-Otxandorena* 22-10, Tainta-Argote beat Mendizabal III-Ladis Galarza 22-11.

A good week for Pablo Berasaluze

Image: mine

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This weekend sees the eagerly awaited clash between the two outstanding tournament favourites, Olaizola II – Beroiz and Martinez de Irujo – Barriola. So far, the whole competition has pointed towards an eventual final between these two, who seem head and shoulders against the opposition. Both are unbeaten, and the rivalry at the fabulous Bizkaia fronton will be intense.

The non-televised Pairs matches this weekend are between Titin III – Merino II and Bengoetxea VI – Apraiz (Logrono, Saturday) and Berasaluze VIII – Albisu and Aritz Lasa – Zubieta (Tolosa, Monday). In the Promocion competition, Olaetxea* – Aretxabaleta play Gorka and Arruti (Logrono, Saturday), Urrutikoetxea – Otxandorena* play Jaunarena – Merino* (Bilbao, Sunday), and Tainta – Argote play Mendizabal III – Ladis Galarza (Tolosa, Monday).

Injury problems abound. Arretxe II had hoped to play this weekend in the wake of his ball to the head on Friday, but he requires further rest and is replaced by Ekaitz Saralegi. Untoria is replaced by Mendizabal II tonight due to hand problems, which also afflict Iza, who is replaced by Inaki Otxandorena. Also with hand problems are Cecilio, who gives way to Miguel Merino, and Lemuno, replaced by Mikel Olaetxea.

Friday 20^th January, Azpeitia

22:05 (CET) OLAZABAL – LARRINAGA v RICO IV – MENDIZABAL II* Promocion Pairs (Mendizabal II replaces Untoria)

Followed by XALA – LASKURAIN v SARALEGI* – BEGINO Pairs Championship (Saralegi replaces Arretxe II)

Sunday 22^nd January, Bilbao

17:00 (CET) GONZALEZ – PENAGARIKANO v EZKURDIA – PASCUAL

Followed by OLAIZOLA II – BEROIZ v MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – BARRIOLA Pairs Championship

To watch, go to http://www.eitb.tv or http://www.eitb.com/deoprtes/deporte-en-directo

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Friday 13^th January, Larrainzar

MATCH ABANDONED for injury to Arretxe II, resulting in heavy ‘win’ for Berasaluze VIII and Albisu

Iker Arretxe and Aritz Begino were already the underdogs here, and the match had barely started before disaster struck. A searing strike from Jon Ander Albisu struck Arretxe in the head. He was forced to leave the fronton in considerable pain and was transferred to Pamplona by ambulance. After staying in overnight for observation, he was released with no lasting damage or complications and is now on the road to recovery, hoping to play this weekend. While Arretxe’s health must obviously be the main consideration here, this stroke of bad luck is a near disaster for he and Begino, who have yet to win a match and now have an effective 1-22 ‘loss’ against their names.

Saturday 14^th January, Pamplona

Business as usual for Olaizola II and Beroiz at Labrit

Favourites Aimar Olaizola and Mikel Beroiz wasted no time at all in crushing the dangerous pairing of Oinatz Bengoetxea and Alexis Apraiz 22-9. Olaizola was in imperious form, hitting home 12 winners and pulling off some impressive volleys to which Bengoetxea had no reply. Beroiz played with steady assurance, providing an outstanding platform. The favourites went up 13-0 initially and were never troubled, in a game which lasted 48 minutes and took 482 strikes of the ball. This was their fourth win in a row and they remain unbeaten. The vanquished pair have two wins and two losses.

Scoring sequence: 13-1, 14-2, 15-3, 16-4, 18-5, 19-8, 20-9, 22-9

Winners/errors: Olaizola 12/3, Beroiz 1/1, Bengoetxea 5/6, Apraiz 0/3

Sunday 15th January, Logrono

Xala and Laskurain open their account at fortress Rioja

Yves Salaberry and Aritz Laskurain had endured a surprisingly bad opening to the championship and needed a result against the home favourites at Adarraga. At first, things seemed to be going against them yet again as they ceded a 105 lead, but in the end pressure told. They played excellently as a team, taking advantage of a slight off day for Titin and Merino II who try as they might could not keep their noses in front. The Riojans have lost on three occasions now and will be looking to improve. For Xala and Laskurain this is an assured step in the right direction but it is they who have the more work to do.

Scoring sequence: 0-3, 1-3, 1-5, 9-5, 9-6, 10-6, 10-7, 14-7, 14-8, 15-8, 15-9, 15-10, 18-10, 18-13, 20-13, 20-15, 21-15, 21-16, 22-16

Winners/errors: Xala 10/3, Laskurain 2/1, Titin 8/6, Merino 3/3

Wednesday 18^th January, Mungia 

Martinez de Irujo and Barriola show their class

Juan Martinez de Irujo and Abel Barriola showed no mercy in taking Aritz Lasa and Aitor Zubieta apart on Wednesday, cruising to a 22-7 win. Irujo had no problem at all in controlling the front of the court, leaving a hapless Lasa chasing for scraps. The man from Gipuzkoa was utterly outclassed. Barriola continued to be solidity personified at the back, making only one error to Zubieta’s four, although Zubieta’s cause in defence was hardly helped by the vapidity of his partner. Things have gone steadily downhill for Lasa and Zubieta after their excellent opening win over Xala and Laskurain; they must believe that they can rise to these heights again. For their opponents it was business as usual, but they will undergo a sterner test this weekend against Olaizola II and Beroiz.

Scoring sequence: 6-0, 8-1, 16-2, 16-4, 17-4, 17-5, 17-7, 22-7

In the Promocion Championship, RICO IV – UNTORIA beat LEMUNO – ARRETXABALETA 22-14, GORKA – PENAGRIKANO beat JAUNARENA – CECILIO 22-12, OLAZABAL – LARRINAGA beat MENDIZABAL III – LADIS GALARZA 22-17 and URRUTIKOETXEA – IZA beat TAINTA – ARGOTE 22-20.

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The couples for the Promocion Pairs Championship, the second tier competition, have been announced and are as follows:

For Aspe: Olazabal-Larrinaga, Jaunarena-Cecilio, Gorka-Arruti, Mendizabal III-Ladis Galarza

For Asegarce: Lemuno-Aretxabaleta, Urrutikoetxea-Iza, Tainta-Argote, Rico IV-Untoria

The greatest loser here is the superbly talented Zabaleta who would have been assured of a spot for Aspe, ruled out at the worst time possible with a broken arm. He is expected to be on the sidelines for three months.

The championship begins this Friday in Eibar and the final takes place on Saturday 28th April.

No luck for the injured Zabaleta

Photo: mine

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Saturday 9th April, Tolosa

OLAEXTEA – ALBISU beat GORKA – MERINO 22-16

A superb display, including a whopping fourteen winners, by Mikel Olaextea, saw the Asegarce pair clinch the second tier final at Beotibar on Saturday. He and Jon Ander Albisu were always ahead, in front of a capcity crowd who created a magnificent atmosphere. They surged ahead to 6-0 early in the game, but Gorka and Merino did bring some pressure to bear, closing to 9-5 and then 14-13. However, Olaetxea increasingly exploited the errors of Gorka, and ably supported by Albisu, halted the Riojan challenge in its tracks.

Albisu and Olaetxea exultant

Image from Noticias de Navarra

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Friday 25th March, Casalarreina

22:10 (CET) IDOATE – LADIS GALARZA v GORKA – MERINO 2nd tier Pairs Championship semi final

Followed by TITIN III – BEROIZ v RETEGI BI – PASCUAL

Sunday 27th March, Eibar

17:00 (CET) TITIN III – MERINO v ARITZ LASA – BEROIZ

Followed by MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – MERINO II v XALA – BARRIOLA Pairs Championship semi final

To watch, go to http://www.eitb.com/television/etb-sat/en-directo

The other Pairs Championship semi final this weekend is between OLAIZOLA II – BEGINO and GONZALEZ – LASKURAIN, on Sunday in Pamplona. In the 2nd tier competition, APEZETXEA – CECILIO and OLAETXEA – ALBISU play their semi final in Beasain on Saturday.

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Friday 25th February, Azkaine

Again today, it is unclear from the schedules what time the broadcast will commence. I assume it will start around 21:30 (CET) as usual. The matches are as follows:

APEZETXEA – CECILIO v LEMUNO – OTEIZA Second Tier Pairs Championship

GONZALEZ – LASKURAIN v ARRETXE II* – IBAI ZABALA* Pairs Championship. Both Olaizola I and Beloki are out through injury and are replaced by Iker Arretxe and Ibai Zabala in a rare case of an entirely new pair representing an original one.

Sunday 27th February, Logrono

17:00 (CET) OLAETXEA  – ALBISU v GORKA – MERINO Second Tier Pairs Championship

Followed by TITIN III – PASCUAL v BENGOETXEA VI – PATXI RUIZ Pairs Championship

To watch, go to http://www.eitb.com/television/etb-sat/en-directo

The weekend’s other Pairs Championship games are: BERASALUZE VIII – APRAIZ v XALA – BARRIOLA (Friday, Gernika) and MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – MERINO II v OLAIZOLA II – BEGINO (Saturday, Pamplona)

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