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	<title>Basque pelota blog in english - Dos paredes &#187; Laskurain</title>
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	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:20:11 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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			<item>
		<title>Xala the difference in win over Bengoetxea VI and Apraiz</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/02/09/xala-the-difference-in-win-over-bengoetxea-vi-and-apraiz/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/02/09/xala-the-difference-in-win-over-bengoetxea-vi-and-apraiz/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:13:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apraiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bengoetxea VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gernika]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1664</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Sunday 5th February, Gernika 
 
XALA – LASKURAIN beat BENGOETXEA VI – APRAIZ 22-12
The stage was set fair for Oinatz Bengoetxea and Alexis Apraiz to continue where they left off in beating Irujo and Barriola the previous week. They seemed very much a pair on the up, growing in confidence after a brace of disappointing [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sunday 5<sup>th</sup> February, </span></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gernika</span></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></strong></p>
<p>XALA – LASKURAIN beat BENGOETXEA VI – APRAIZ 22-12</p>
<p>The stage was set fair for Oinatz Bengoetxea and Alexis Apraiz to continue where they left off in beating Irujo and Barriola the previous week. They seemed very much a pair on the up, growing in confidence after a brace of disappointing losses and although the same could be said of Xala and Laskurain, the game promised to be fascinating and closely matched. They also had hometown advantage of a sort, for Apraiz is a native of Gernika. However, further proof of their clear potential failed to materialise, as Xala and Laskurain never looked in the remotest of trouble. Xala alone was the difference; neither defender had a great game and Bengoetxea, the bane of Irujo, was totally out of sorts.</p>
<p>Right from the start, the red pair put their best feet forwards, winning the first three points through a mixture of Xala’s skill and Bengoetxea’s carelessness. The blues picked up their early points thanks to Laskurain’s errors but these were not numerous enough to prevent Xala propelling his pair to an 11-3 lead. He hit some searing winners in this passage, notably his gantxos on 4-2 and 10-3 which Bengoetxea appeared barely to see and he moved his opponents into positions of weakness with minimal effort. On 5-2, his placement succeeded in getting both blues out of position, which led to a miscue from a flummoxed Apraiz. He also put telling pressure on Apraiz, something which Bengoetxea largely failed to do to Laskurain. Apraiz’s error on 8-2was borne of Xala’s persistence and also Bengoetxea’s total inability to get anything past his opposite number, despite trying visibly with all his might.</p>
<p>Xala, potent force though he was, was not immune to errors and lapses on 11-3 and 11-6 gave Bengoetxea and Apraiz fleeting hope of a comeback. They came within four points at 13-9, in the one period of play where Bengoetxea really showed his considerable talents. On 13-7 he bombed Laskurain until he blew it and in the next point, he brilliantly pulled off a txoko winner after being forced right to the back by Xala. However, any window of opportunity was dispelled by Apraiz, who made two errors in the next three points. These, along with another fabulous crosscourt winner from Xala, restored the red advantage to seven points. The one moment of drama occurred at this juncture when Laskurain accidentally struck his partner in the head. The injury was clearly not as serious as that to Arretxe II who was recently hurt in similar circumstances, but as he left for treatment, Bengoetxea and Apraiz must have wondered fleetingly whether the misfortune of their nemesis had handed them an unlikely escape. Happily for Xala though, he returned seemingly unharmed and carried on where he left off. Two wayward hits from Laskurain were an irrelevance in the final analysis, as Xala overcame his nasty shock and a partner not entirely on top of his game, to seize the victory with a service winner.</p>
<p>Sunday’s result means that both pairs now sit on three points, just below the qualification spots, with Xala and Laskurain 5<sup>th</sup> and Bengoetxea and Apraiz 6<sup>th</sup>. Two pairs sit one point ahead of them and are very much there to be shot at; while Olaizola II and Beroiz appear unassailable at the top and Arretxe and Begino rooted firmly to the bottom, the fight for the other semi final berths is close. With seven rounds to go, both victors and vanquished in this particular skirmish are still firmly in the war.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2, 9-2, 9-3, 11-3, 11-4, 11-7, 13-7, 13-9, 16-9, 16-10, 17-10, 20-10, 20-12, 22-12.</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Xala 11/3, Bengoetxea 2/4, Laskurain 0/6, Apraiz 1/7</p>
<p><strong>Match time</strong>: 103.22 with 26.36 on actual play</p>
<p><strong>Balls hit</strong>: 534</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 548px"><img class="  " title="Xala" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/317237_776023178200_202903195_39677274_1897178049_n.jpg" alt="The last laugh went to the Manomanista Champion" width="538" height="403" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The last laugh went to the Manomanista Champion</p></div>
<p><em>(Photo: mine)</em></p>
<p>The overall standings are now as follows:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="556">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>PAREJA</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>JUG.</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>GAN.</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>PERD.</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>1</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>OLAIZOLA II &#8211; BEROIZ</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>0</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>2</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>MTZ de IRUJO &#8211; BARRIOLA</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>5</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>2</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>3</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>BERASALUZE VIII &#8211; ALBISU</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>4</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>3</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>4</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>TITIN III &#8211; MERINO II</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>4</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>3</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>5</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>XALA &#8211; LASKURAIN</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>3</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>4</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>6</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>BENGOETXEA VI &#8211; APRAIZ</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>3</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>4</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>ARITZ LASA  -  ZUBIETA</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>2</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>5</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>8</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="247" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>ARRETXE II &#8211; BEGINO</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="104" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>0</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
<p align="center"><strong>7</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<item>
		<title>Wins for Xala-Laskurain, Berasaluze VIII-Albisu and Titin III-Merino II</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/01/26/wins-for-xala-laskurain-berasaluze-viii-albisu-and-titin-iii-merino-ii/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/01/26/wins-for-xala-laskurain-berasaluze-viii-albisu-and-titin-iii-merino-ii/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:46:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Second Tier Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albisu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apraiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aritz Lasa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arretxe II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Begino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bengoetxea VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Berasaluze VIII]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merino II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saralegi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Titin III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zubieta]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1649</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Friday 20th 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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Friday 20<sup>th</sup> January, </span></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Azpeitia</span></em></p>
<p>XALA – LASKURAIN beat SARALEGI – BEGINO 22-6</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Saturday 21<sup>st</sup> January</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Logrono</em></span></p>
<p>TITIN III – MERINO II beat BENGOETXEA VI – APRAIZ 22-14</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 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</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> January</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Tolosa</em></span></p>
<p>BERASALUZE VIII – ALBISU beat ARITZ LASA – ZUBIETA 22-17</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Promocion Championship results</span></em></strong><em> 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.</em></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1650" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 235px"><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-1650" title="302511_807376311270_202903195_39956397_694430216_n" src="http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/302511_807376311270_202903195_39956397_694430216_n-225x300.jpg" alt="A good week for Pablo Berasaluze" width="225" height="300" /></strong><p class="wp-caption-text">A good week for Pablo Berasaluze</p></div>
<p><em>Image: mine</em></p>
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					</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pairs Championship Week 4 Round Up</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/01/18/pairs-championship-week-5-round-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2012/01/18/pairs-championship-week-5-round-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:33:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Second Tier Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albisu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apraiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arretxe II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Begino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bengoetxea VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Berasaluze VIII]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beroiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merino II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olaizola II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Titin III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1638</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Friday 13th 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 [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Friday 13<sup>th</sup> January</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Larrainzar</em></span></p>
<p><strong><em>MATCH ABANDONED for injury to Arretxe II, resulting in heavy ‘win’ for Berasaluze VIII and Albisu</em></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Saturday 14<sup>th</sup> January</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Pamplona</em></span></p>
<p><strong><em>Business as usual for Olaizola II and Beroiz at Labrit</em></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 13-1, 14-2, 15-3, 16-4, 18-5, 19-8, 20-9, 22-9</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Olaizola 12/3, Beroiz 1/1, Bengoetxea 5/6, Apraiz 0/3</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sunday 15th January</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Logrono</em></span></p>
<p><strong><em>Xala and Laskurain open their account at fortress Rioja</em></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 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</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Xala 10/3, Laskurain 2/1, Titin 8/6, Merino 3/3</p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wednesday 18<sup>th</sup> January, </span></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mungia</span></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Martinez de Irujo and Barriola show their class</em></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 6-0, 8-1, 16-2, 16-4, 17-4, 17-5, 17-7, 22-7</p>
<p><strong><em>In the Promocion Championship</em></strong>, RICO IV &#8211; UNTORIA beat LEMUNO &#8211; ARRETXABALETA 22-14, GORKA &#8211; PENAGRIKANO beat JAUNARENA &#8211; CECILIO 22-12, OLAZABAL &#8211; LARRINAGA beat MENDIZABAL III &#8211; LADIS GALARZA 22-17 and URRUTIKOETXEA &#8211; IZA beat TAINTA &#8211; ARGOTE 22-20.</p>
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		<title>Pairs Championship: Irujo the difference in tough Tolosa tussle</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/12/25/pairs-championship-irujo-the-difference-in-tough-tolosa-tussle/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/12/25/pairs-championship-irujo-the-difference-in-tough-tolosa-tussle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:23:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barriola]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beotibar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tolosa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1608</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Friday 23rd December, Tolosa
 
MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – BARRIOLA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-17
 
Xala and Laskurain came into this match with a point to prove, having fallen apart against supposedly less fancied opposition in the first week. However, having to play against the tournament favourites when seeking a restoration of confidence is never ideal. Irujo and [...]]]></description>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Friday 23rd December, </strong><em>Tolosa</em></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – BARRIOLA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-17</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">Xala and Laskurain came into this match with a point to prove, having fallen apart against supposedly less fancied opposition in the first week. However, having to play against the tournament favourites when seeking a restoration of confidence is never ideal. Irujo and Barriola for their part may have felt the need to pull off a game which justified their favouritism after being tested more than they would have liked last week, meaning that they too were well and truly up for the fight. They were tested for the second week running, but their superior control and teamwork saw them through leaving their opponents, highly fancied to make the last four, nursing their wounds after two losses from two. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">The favourites made the early running, going ahead 3-8 thanks mainly to the stroke play of Irujo. Barriola made two uncharacteristic early errors, but with their opponents slipping up in their attempt to hit the lines, they mattered little. However, when Barriola continued his lapse, matters became a little more urgent for the blue pair. Three further errors in a row from the great defender, two rather lax and the third an over-ambitious attempt at a cross court winner, brought the reds to within two points. Xala seized his chance and pulled his duo into the lead at 10-9, inducing Irujo to hurl the ball at the frontis with total disgust. Two winners, perhaps a knee-jerk reaction, from Irujo gave the lead back to the blues and the lead changed again as Xala mixed winners full of wow factor with an extremely careless missed txoko. At 12-12 there was nothing to choose between the sides but a mistake each from Irujo and Barriola gave Xala and Laskurain a two point lead for the first time. Again, though, Irujo used his disgust as a spur to action. On 13-14 he slipped trying to change direction, leaving the court open for Xala. When Laskurain handed the serve back to Irujo as he rushed into a covering attempt on behalf of Xala, Irujo changed gear. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">Irujo and Xala had hitherto been evenly matched, but the man from Ibero now put on a demonstration not only of his shot making ability but of his skill in manipulating his rivals like inanimate puppets. This was never so apparent as in the point which gave him a 20-17 lead, in which he worked Xala until he was forced to run backwards, leaving Laskurain woefully unable to pick up the pieces at the front. Xala failed to help himself, alternating between clever and skilful play and inexplicable misses, and the final two points were all Irujo, the first taken after he had bombed Laskurain into submission and the second seized with an extremely easy txoko. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">Although they were forced to scrap until the mid point, Irujo and Barriola will take a vast amount of confidence from this performance, for they proved themselves able to lift their game when it mattered. Xala and Laskurain, in contrast, will have done nothing to make themselves feel better. They are a classy pairing no doubt, and will grow into the competition, but in these early stages they do not appear as a couple brimming with inner harmony. Thankfully for them though, April is a whole world away. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 0-2, 1-2, 1-4, 3-4, 3-5, 3-8, 7-8, 7-9, 10-9, 10-10, 10-11, 11-11, 11-12, 12-12, 14-12, 14-13, 15-13, 15-18, 17-18, 17-22.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Xala 8/4, Irujo 14/3, Laskurain 0/4, Barriola 0/6</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Match time</strong>: 1:05.32 with 28:18 of actual play</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Balls hit</strong>: 560</span></div>
<div>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter">
<dl id="attachment_1609" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 356px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="size-full wp-image-1609  " title="389495_808501047290_202903195_39961939_1179061853_n" src="http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/389495_808501047290_202903195_39961939_1179061853_n.jpg" alt="Still no joy for Xala" width="346" height="259" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Still no joy for Xala</dd>
</dl>
<p><em>Photo: mine</em></div>
</div>
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		<item>
		<title>Pairs Championship: Aritz Lasa and Zubieta on top as Xala rages</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/12/21/pairs-championship-aritz-lasa-and-zubieta-on-top-as-xala-rages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/12/21/pairs-championship-aritz-lasa-and-zubieta-on-top-as-xala-rages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:21:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pairs Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aritz Lasa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beotibar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tolosa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zubieta]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1594</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[





Monday 19th December, Tolosa
 
ARITZ LASA – ZUBIETA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-12
 
Extra interest in this match was added by the polemic which has surrounded Gonzalez’s non-selection in the past few days. Gonzalez yesterday apologised at an extremely earnest press conference for his tirade, in which he questioned the selection of Aritz Lasa and accused his [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
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<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13244740331712116">
<div id="yiv489808400">
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13244740331712115">
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13244740331712114" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #fff">
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday 19th December</strong>, <em>Tolosa</em></span></span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"> </span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES">ARITZ LASA – ZUBIETA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-12</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>Extra interest in this match was added by the polemic which has surrounded Gonzalez’s non-selection in the past few days. Gonzalez yesterday apologised at an extremely earnest press conference for his tirade, in which he questioned the selection of Aritz Lasa and accused his bosses of using non-sporting criteria in a decision which smacked of favouritism. If Gonzalez hoped justification for his rage would come as a result of this match he must have been sorely disappointed, as Lasa had the measure of Xala, the Manomanista Champion and looked every inch at home in the exalted company of the elite pairs competition. The first half of the match was close with the couples tied at 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9, but from 10-11 the supposed underdogs played like anything but. Xala had extreme difficulty in moving the balls chosen by Lasa and Zubieta and grew more and more frustrated at his ability to break free. His fury flowed over at 10-14 when Lasa appeared marginally to block his path. When his protestations to the referee failed he threw his chair three rows back into the crowd in a fit of emotion all the more shocking for coming from a player who is usually so collected. Despite Xala’s meltdown however, the real difference between the pairs came in the back division, where 2010 champion Zubieta was solid as a rock and worked expertly with his partner to put Laskurain under pressure he proved unable to bear. It is early days in the competition, but Lasa and Zubieta have proved in no uncertain terms that they are a force to be reckoned with.</div>
<div><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 4-2, 4-4, 4-6, 6-6, 7-6, 7-7, 8-7, 8-8, 9-8, 9-9, 9-11, 10-11, 10-14, 11-14, 11-20, 12-20, 12-22<br />
<strong>Service winners/errors</strong>: Xala 2/2, Aritz Lasa 3/0<br />
<strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Xala 5/2, Laskurain 1/6, Aritz Lasa 7/2, Zubieta 2/2<br />
<strong>Match time</strong>: 60:10.30<br />
<strong>Balls hit</strong>: 584</div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"> </span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"></span></span></span></div>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"></p>
<div id="attachment_1598" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1598" title="P1020916" src="http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/P1020916-300x225.jpg" alt="Lasa and Zubieta won at a canter" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lasa and Zubieta won at a canter</p></div>
<p> </p>
<p></span></span></span></p>
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #fff"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="ES"><em>Photo: mine</em></span></span></span></div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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		<title>Torneo Aste Nagusia Semi Finals</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/26/torneo-aste-nagusia-semi-finals/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/26/torneo-aste-nagusia-semi-finals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:55:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Begino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Berasaluze VIII]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beroiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bilbao Bizkaia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merino II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olaizola II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Titin III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torneo Aste Nagusia]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1339</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Bilbao’s inaugural summer tournament, the Torneo Aste Nagusia, is taking place this week at Bizkaia. The first semi final was held on Wednesday, and saw a 22-19 victory for TITIN III – MERINO II over OLAIZOLA II – BEROIZ. It was a tough match, lasting well over an hour and involving 810 strikes of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<div class="topsy_widget_data topsy_theme_monochrome" style="float: right;margin-left: 0.75em; background: url(data:,%7B%20%22url%22%3A%20%22http%253A%252F%252Fwww.blogseitb.us%252Fbasque_pelota%252F2011%252F08%252F26%252Ftorneo-aste-nagusia-semi-finals%252F%22%2C%20%22style%22%3A%20%22big%22%2C%20%22title%22%3A%20%22Torneo%20Aste%20Nagusia%20Semi%20Finals%20%23basque%20%23basque%20%23country%20%23pelota%20%23pelotari%20%23manomanista%22%20%7D);"></div>
<p>Bilbao’s inaugural summer tournament, the Torneo Aste Nagusia, is taking place this week at Bizkaia. The first semi final was held on Wednesday, and saw a <strong>22-19 victory for TITIN III – MERINO II over OLAIZOLA II – BEROIZ</strong>. It was a tough match, lasting well over an hour and involving 810 strikes of the ball, but the closeness of the final scoreline belies the reasonable ease with which the Aspe partnership triumphed. They lost the first point but after that were never headed, despite being held to 4-4 and 9-9. They opened up a gap with the finish line in sight, leading 17-12 and 19-14. Olaizola and Beroiz, still inexperienced as a pairing, pulled themselves back into it at 19-19, but lost the next three points to cede the match. The losers played well in spurts but neither had their best day, while Merino in particular played excellently.</p>
<p><em><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>:  0-1/ 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 6-4/ 6-5/ 8-5/ 8-7/ 9-7/ 9/ 10-9/ 11-10/ 11/ 12/ 17-12/ 17-14/ 19-14/ 19/ 22-19</em></p>
<p>Last night, Titin and Merino II learnt the identity of their final opponents, as <strong>BERASALUZE VIII – BEGINO beat MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – LASKURAIN 22-14</strong>. The game was intense, but the Asegarce pair won with some confort. They were tracked closely by their opponents in the early part of the match, but from 8-8 onwards Berasaluze opened his shoulders, dominating Irujo on his way to ten winners in the match. Irujo gave him far too many gifts and his adversary had the form to capitalise. The final will be held tomorrow.</p>
<p><em><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 3-0/ 3-1/ 4-1/ 4-2/ 5-2/ 5-4/ 7-4/ 7-6/ 8/ 13-8/ 13-11/ 15-11/ 15-12/ 17-12/ 17-13/ 18-14/ 22-14</em></p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.reta.eu/upload/actualidad_reta/ampliada/BBK-gancho.jpg"><img title="Pablo" src="http://www.reta.eu/upload/actualidad_reta/ampliada/BBK-gancho.jpg" alt="Pablo Berasaluze, flying high" width="500" height="332" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pablo Berasaluze, flying high</p></div>
<p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.aspepelota.com/portada/index.php">Aspe</a></em>, <em>image from </em><a href="http://www.reta.eu/actualidad_reta/actualidad_deportiva_comentarios.asp?l=es&amp;id=815"><em>reta</em></a></p>
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		<title>San Sebastian Final: Defenders to the Fore in Victory for Irujo and Zubieta</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/24/san-sebastian-final-defenders-to-the-fore-in-victory-for-irujo-and-zubieta/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/24/san-sebastian-final-defenders-to-the-fore-in-victory-for-irujo-and-zubieta/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:38:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atano III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donostia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Sebastian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torneo Ciudad de San Sebastian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zubieta]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1337</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Tuesday 23rd August, San Sebastian
MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – ZUBIETA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-19
The final of the Torneo Ciudad de San Sebastian was a strange match, exciting not for its quality but for its unpredictability and its closeness. Both forwards hit winners aplenty, many of them stunningly executed, but also made myriad mistakes. There was [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday 23<sup>rd</sup> August</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>San Sebastian</em></span></p>
<p>MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – ZUBIETA beat XALA – LASKURAIN 22-19</p>
<p>The final of the Torneo Ciudad de San Sebastian was a strange match, exciting not for its quality but for its unpredictability and its closeness. Both forwards hit winners aplenty, many of them stunningly executed, but also made myriad mistakes. There was little to choose between them at the end of the match, and it was the defenders, while less noticeable, who held the key to the fortunes of the opposing sides. Both Irujo and Zubieta began shakily, but Irujo’s recovery came concurrently with the return of Zubieta’s poise. The man from Etxarri-Aranatz, playing without a knee brace for the first time since his operation, hit the heights as the match progressed, producing both the game plan and the execution to push his pair over the finish line. Laskurain, despite being marginally shaded here, was named man of the tournament, confirming the week as one in which the defenders truly shone.</p>
<p>The match started very evenly indeed, with each player showing both good and bad in turn. From 2-2 though, it was Xala and Laskurain who put their feet on the pedal, advancing to 10-5 which some calm, while Irujo increasingly lost the plot. His error on 2-3 resulted in him hurling the ball furiously at the frontis, sending officials ducking, and the mistakes kept coming, a low volley negating some excellent long returns from Zubieta, a failure to return an eminently reachable gantxo, a miscue down the wall and a wild cross court swipe leading to a five-point deficit. Zubieta also contributed to the rot by hitting high twice, and the red pair barely needed to extend themselves to maintain their margin.</p>
<p>However, the ride turned when Laskurain momentarily lost his touch and hit high. Irujo and Zubieta took four points in a row to close to 9-10, aided by two errors from Xala. Xala, clearly annoyed by his lapses, seized the initiative back with a devastating spell of three cross court winners. He then bombed Zubieta, who fell short with a long strike, and the five-point advantage was restored. But again Irujo and Zubieta came back, their latest recovery also kick started by an error from Laskurain. Irujo increasingly brought his trump cards to the table, aided by a partner in Zubieta who was starting to fire on all cylinders. His pressure led directly to errors from both his opponents, and he found ever more depth to force Laskurain onto the back foot. They drew level at 15-15 thanks to one such Laskurain failure, and when a txoko from Irujo put them ahead, Zubieta clapped vigorously, knowing the momentum was with them. Supported wonderfully from the back, Irujo produced a txoko and an inspired skimming dos paredes borne of pure reflex to give them a 15-19 advantage.</p>
<p>The next two points went to Xala and Laskurain, as Irujo proved with two errors that his conversion to form was not complete, the first throwing away a point in which Laskurain had been very much on the run. A service winner from Xala reduced the gap to one point at 19-18, but Zubieta unleashed a wonderful ball over his rival’s head, the icing on the cake of a mad scramble beneath the frontis from all parties. Xala was to have the final say in the match; he gave his pair some hope with a nonchalant cross court winner, on match point, but undid it with a wild and wide ball to give the match to the blues by a three point margin. A game shaped by errors ended most aptly.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 2-0, 2-2, 4-2, 4-3, 7-3, 7-4, 9-4, 9-5, 10-5, 10-9, 14-9, 14-11, 15-11, 15-19, 18-19, 18-21, 19-21, 19-22</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Irujo 7/8, Xala 7/6, Zubieta 2/3, Laskurain 0/5</p>
<p><strong>Match time</strong>: 64:23</p>
<p><strong>Balls hit</strong>: 515</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 307px"><a href="http://static.deia.com/images/2010/04/06/import_6590876_3.jpg"><img title="Zubes" src="http://static.deia.com/images/2010/04/06/import_6590876_3.jpg" alt="The fully recovered Aitor Zubieta" width="297" height="297" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The fully recovered Aitor Zubieta</p></div>
<p><em>Image from: </em><a href="http://www.deia.com/2010/04/06/deportes/pelota/no-me-ha-extranado-que-seamos-campeones"><em>Deia</em></a><em>, by David de Haro</em></p>
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		<title>San Sebastian Semis: Xala-Laskurain to Play Irujo-Zubieta in Final</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/23/san-sebastian-semis-xala-laskurain-to-play-irujo-zubieta-in-final/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/23/san-sebastian-semis-xala-laskurain-to-play-irujo-zubieta-in-final/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:58:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Begino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bengoetxea VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beroiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donostia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olaizola II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Sebastian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torneo Ciudad de San Sebastian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zubieta]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1332</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Friday 19th August, San Sebastian
XALA – LASKURAIN beat OLAIZOLA II – BEGINO 22-18
The first San Sebastian semi-final ended with a far tighter score line than might have been expected. Xala and Laskurain proceeded to today’s final at the expense of Olaizola II and Begino, but what had looked like an easy win was momentarily put [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Friday 19<sup>th</sup> August</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>San Sebastian</em></span></p>
<p>XALA – LASKURAIN beat OLAIZOLA II – BEGINO 22-18</p>
<p>The first San Sebastian semi-final ended with a far tighter score line than might have been expected. Xala and Laskurain proceeded to today’s final at the expense of Olaizola II and Begino, but what had looked like an easy win was momentarily put in jeopardy by a comeback which almost gave the reigning Pairs Champions licence to dream. The early part of the game was close, with the pairs tied at 1-1, 2-2, 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6. Both forwards looked as if they were shaping up for an epic duel. Four of Olaizola and Begino’s six points in this spell came from the former’s brutal airez, which he seemed able to sling into open space at will. Xala replied to his virtuosity with some wonderful tactical play, showing himself capable of wrong footing Olaizola, and countered his opponent’s venom with some most improbable defensive efforts. Begino made a brace of errors and Laskurain one, but generally speaking, both defenders seemed the perfect foils for their attacking forwards.</p>
<p>However, Xala and Laskurain broke the deadlock. They edged ahead when Begino was rendered completely baffled by a ball he imagined Aimar would take. Xala’s two txoko winners, separated by a missed attempt at the same shot, gave them a 9-7 lead, and they added eight points without reply, sweeping to 17-7 and the brink of triumph. Xala was the main instigator of this run of points, drawing gasps from the crowd with the pace and precision of many of his winners, whether cross court or into the corner. However, the real difference here arguably lay with the defenders; as Laskurain grew in stature, continuing his scintillating form from Zarautz, Begino looked increasingly lacklustre and gave Aimar, who only committed his first error with the score at 7-16, little room for manoeuvre. With an attack dulled, and Xala seemingly able to retrieve anything, the game looked to be up.</p>
<p>The momentum of the pelota match can change dramatically with the serve, and the blue pair won it back with a cross court winner from Aimar which, for once, left Xala reeling. He took the next two points in addition, hitting to the corner with total command. It seemed as if the sun had finally begun to shine on the trailing pair when Begino finally found some magic and struck the rebote, much to Laskurain’s visible chagrin. 11-17 seemed a little healthier; another few points and the opening was there. However, the advantage was lost once again when Aimar rushed into a txoko and hit it low. His fury with himself was plain to see. Begino let the deficit out further with an inexplicable miscue, but they came back to within five with a deceptively easy swipe into a clear court from Aimar, another rebote from Begino and a rare error from Laskurain. A ball from Xala into Aiimar’s body and a slip from Begino gave the reds match point at 21-14, but still the blues fought, two Aimar winners and two Laskurain errors bringing the score to 21-18. However, the dream comeback was ended with a typically clinical airez from Xala.</p>
<p>Xala and Laskurain were the better pairing for the majority of the match, and made hay while Begino suffered a lengthy lapse. Xala barely put a foot wrong, hitting 12 winners to 2 errors. Aimar managed 10 winners to 2 errors, signalling a solid evening from the multi txapela winner, but one in which he failed to break through Xala’s excellent defences for sufficiently long periods. Laskurain, until the very end, played a solid and astute game, acting as a near perfect foil for Xala’s venom.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-4, 3-4, 5-4, 5-5, 6-5, 6-6, 8-6, 8-7, 17-7, 17-11, 19-11, 19-14, 21-14, 21-18, 22-18.</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Xala 12/2, Olaizola 10/2, Laskurain 3/4, Begino 2/5</p>
<p><strong>Match time</strong>: 1:04.16, with 24:04 playing time</p>
<p><strong>Balls hit</strong>: 488</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 307px"><a href="http://static.noticiasdenavarra.com/images/2010/06/03/ra4l9558_jpg_20100602182441xala_3.jpg"><img title="Xala" src="http://static.noticiasdenavarra.com/images/2010/06/03/ra4l9558_jpg_20100602182441xala_3.jpg" alt="The Manomanista Champion, Xala, is in excellent shape" width="297" height="297" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Manomanista Champion, Xala, is in excellent shape</p></div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August, </span></strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">San Sebastian</span></em></p>
<p>MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – ZUBIETA beat BENGOETXEA VI – BEROIZ 22-21</p>
<p>Irujo and Zubieta will join Xala and Laskurain in the final tonight, having beaten Bengoetxea and Beroiz by the narrowest possible margin on Saturday. The Asegarce pair was ahead for almost the entire tense encounter, though their lead never grew to more than four points. They were tracked closely by Irujo and Zubieta, who showed their nerve at the death, coming from 18-20 and saving a match point to draw level, before seizing the decider for a 22-21 win after 82 minutes and 609 strikes of the ball. The match was partially overshadowed by the consequences of moisture on the fronton, which made a noticeable difference to the stability and confidence of the players from 18-16 onwards. Atano II has suffered and overcome this problem in the past, and investigations will surely commence. Happily though, all four players emerged unscathed.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 2-1/ 5-1/ 5-2/ 5/ 7-5/ 7-6/ 8-6/ 8/ 9/ 10-9/ 13-9/ 13-10/ 14-11/ 15/ 17-15/ 17-16/ 18-16/ 18/ 20-18/ 20/ 20-21/ 21/ 21-22</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Bengoetxea 8/6, Irujo 8/4, Beroiz 0/6, Zubieta 1/5</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 624px"><a href="http://static.deia.com/images/2010/06/15/irujo_1.jpg"><img title="Irujo" src="http://static.deia.com/images/2010/06/15/irujo_1.jpg" alt="Irujo will face Xala in the final" width="614" height="346" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Irujo will face Xala in the final</p></div>
<p><em> Images from </em><a href="http://www.soloespolitica.com/foro/viewtopic.php?t=6789"><em>soloespolitica.com</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.deia.com/2010/06/15/deportes/pelota/los-ninos-no-vienen-con-instrucciones"><em>Deia</em></a></p>
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		<title>Zarautz: Irujo and Laskurain the Champions in Error Marred Final</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/17/zarautz-irujo-and-laskurain-the-champions-in-error-marred-final/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/17/zarautz-irujo-and-laskurain-the-champions-in-error-marred-final/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albisu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olaizola II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torneo Villa de Zarautz]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1328</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Tuesday 16th August, Zarautz
MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – LASKURAIN beat OLAIZOLA II – ALBISU 22-8
The Zarautz final was defined more by errors than by winners. Duels between Irujo and Olaizola II are always much anticipated, but this edition of the long running saga ended in disappointment for the 800 pelotazales who packed Aritzbatalde, as 13 of [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuesday 16<sup>th</sup> August</span></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, <em>Zarautz</em></span></p>
<p>MARTINEZ DE IRUJO – LASKURAIN beat OLAIZOLA II – ALBISU 22-8</p>
<p>The Zarautz final was defined more by errors than by winners. Duels between Irujo and Olaizola II are always much anticipated, but this edition of the long running saga ended in disappointment for the 800 pelotazales who packed Aritzbatalde, as 13 of Irujo and Laskurain’s 22 points came from the errors of their opponents. Albisu, so much improved in the semi final after his drubbing in Vitoria-Gasteiz the previous week, was the major culprit, giving away six points, and failing to return three Irujo service winners which looked eminently hittable. Olaizola, too, was strangely out of sorts, although with a slight tweak to his radar things may have been very different, as time and again, potential winners, especially to the wide court, fell just low.</p>
<p>Gallingly for the Asegarce pair, they actually started out rather well, going up 6-3, with Olaizola taking advantage of the solidity of Albisu to strike the ball brutally into space. However, a wide return from the young defender opened the floodgates, and Irujo, defending like a terrier, upped the pace by volleying whenever he could. Laskurain struggled at first to cope with the air that Olaizola produced, but as his opponents faltered, it was enough to play conservatively, waiting for the errors to come. He was awarded the prize for player of the tournament, largely thanks to his splendid performance in the semi finals.</p>
<p>Albisu is only 21, and must not despair; the flashes of immense talent he has shown in his first year as a professional give Asegarce enormous hope for the future, and a credible defending option to set alongside Begino and Beroiz in the years to come. This exposure to the big time, playing alongside one of the all-time greats, will serve him well, despite his nervous unease. Despite many of their points being handed to them on a platter, Irujo and Laskurain greatly deserved this win, playing with sense and accuracy, with an added portion of fire when required.</p>
<p><strong>Scoring sequence</strong>: 0-3, 6-3, 6-7, 7-7, 7-12, 8-12, 8-22</p>
<p><strong>Service winners/errors</strong>: Olaizola 0/0, Irujo 0/5</p>
<p><strong>Winners/errors</strong>: Olaizola 2/7, Albisu 0/6, Irujo 4/3, Laskurain 0/3</p>
<p><strong>Match time</strong>: 37:16</p>
<p><strong>Balls hit</strong>: 280</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 670px"><a href="http://pelota.elcorreo.com/archivos/200909/laskurain-660xXx80.jpg"><img title="Lasku" src="http://pelota.elcorreo.com/archivos/200909/laskurain-660xXx80.jpg" alt="Player of the tournament, Aritz Laskurain" width="660" height="340" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Player of the tournament, Aritz Laskurain</p></div>
<p><em>Image from </em><a href="http://pelota.elcorreo.com/pelota/pelotaris/aritz-laskurain.html"><em>El Correo</em></a></p>
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		<title>Zarautz News Round-up, and Final Coverage (Tonight!)</title>
		<link>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/16/zarautz-news-round-up-and-final-coverage-tonight/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/2011/08/16/zarautz-news-round-up-and-final-coverage-tonight/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:53:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tiffany</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albisu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Begino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bengoetxea VI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gonzalez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laskurain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olaizola II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torneo Villa de Zarautz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zubieta. Martinez de Irujo]]></category>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blogseitb.us/basque_pelota/?p=1326</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

The final of the Torneo Villa de Zarautz takes place tonight at Aritzbatalde. Matches start at 17:00 CEST, but note that ETB Sat coverage is delayed, and will begin at 22:05 CEST.
In the first semi final, on Friday, OLAIZOLA II and ALBISU won a resounding 22-11 victory over GONZALEZ (standing in for Xala), and ZUBIETA. There [...]]]></description>
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<p>The final of the Torneo Villa de Zarautz takes place tonight at Aritzbatalde. Matches start at 17:00 CEST, but note that ETB Sat coverage is delayed, and will begin at 22:05 CEST.</p>
<p>In the first semi final, on Friday,<strong> OLAIZOLA II</strong> and <strong>ALBISU</strong> won a resounding 22-11 victory over <strong>GONZALEZ</strong> (standing in for Xala), and <strong>ZUBIETA</strong>. There was not much to choose between the defenders, both of whom did an adequate job. Albisu, much to his and everyone&#8217;s relief, was much improved from his debacle with Xala in Vitoria-Gasteiz the previous week. The real discrepancy came in the forwards, where Gonzalez was very lacklustre, and Olaizola was stunning, firing 14 winners to only one error, creating space with ease in which to fire his relentless salvo. He barely broke sweat.</p>
<p>On Saturday, <strong>MARTINEZ DE IRUJO</strong> and <strong>LASKURAIN</strong> defeated<strong> BENGOETXEA VI</strong> and <strong>BEGINO</strong>, the Virgen Blanca champions, to claim their final spot. Bengoetxea, so scintillating in the summer tournaments thus far, was below his best, gifting Irujo far too much, and not putting him under any telling pressure. Begino was solid, but was outplayed by Laskurain, as the Aspe pair took the tie 22-16. Irujo would dearly love a trophy to salvage his less than brilliant season; in his quest to achieve it, he must overcome arch-rival Aimar and his storming form.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday 16th August</strong>, <em>Zarautz</em></span></p>
<p>22:05 (CEST) ARITZ LASA &#8211; MERINO v APEZETXEA &#8211; IBAI ZABALA</p>
<p>Followed by OLAIZOLA II &#8211; ALBISU v MARTINEZ DE IRUJO  &#8211; LASKURAIN <em>Torneo Villa de Zarautz Final</em></p>
<p><em><strong>To watch, go to </strong><a href="http://www.eitb.com/television/etb-sat/en-directo"><strong>http://www.eitb.com/television/etb-sat/en-directo</strong></a> </em></p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px"><a href="http://www.georg-wieler.de/urlaub/images/zarautz1.jpg"><img title="Zarautz" src="http://www.georg-wieler.de/urlaub/images/zarautz1.jpg" alt="All eyes are on Zarautz tonight" width="600" height="440" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">All eyes are on Zarautz tonight</p></div>
<p><em>Image from: </em><a href="http://www.georg-wieler.de/urlaub/index.html"><em>georg-wieler.de</em></a></p>
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