26eme Coupe des Chasseurs (Hunter's Cup)--Trophee Denis Harriet (September 2-October 28, 2019). This was a single elimination knock out Tournament featuring 13 pairs. It was similar (but not, for the most part, professionalized) to the "Promesis" Mano Tournaments in the South in that it was made up of mostly young "up and coming" talent. 9 players are presently on the Esku Pilota roster. The first round (September 2, 9, 16--6 total matches, were 40 point matches. All other matches were 50 point matches. Note: Maiz*-Iphar* were seeded in at the semi-final stage.
Previous winners: 2012-2018
2012 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Aguirre-Saldubehere 50 P. Larralde-Maita 46
2013 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Aguirre-Saldubehere 50 Olcomendy-Jeannots 44
2014 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra):
Tellier-Lazcano 50 Olcomendy-Heguiabehere 42
2015 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra via Archive.org):
Ospital-Palomes 50 Darmendrail-Amulet 16
2016 (complete BLOG POST for entire tournament, including full match video of Final:
Elgart-Lucu 50 Agirre-Lafitte 35
2017 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Monce-Benesse 50 Inchauspe-Cubiat 39
2018 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Etcheverry-B. Larralde 50 Monce-Lafitte 38
*=Not on the Esku Pelota roster at this timePrevious winners: 2012-2018
2012 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Aguirre-Saldubehere 50 P. Larralde-Maita 46
2013 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Aguirre-Saldubehere 50 Olcomendy-Jeannots 44
2014 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra):
Tellier-Lazcano 50 Olcomendy-Heguiabehere 42
2015 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra via Archive.org):
Ospital-Palomes 50 Darmendrail-Amulet 16
2016 (complete BLOG POST for entire tournament, including full match video of Final:
Elgart-Lucu 50 Agirre-Lafitte 35
2017 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Monce-Benesse 50 Inchauspe-Cubiat 39
2018 (complete Calendar with all results--Goizeko Izarra)
Etcheverry-B. Larralde 50 Monce-Lafitte 38
As always, with a Tournament of this duration, read from the bottom up to follow chronologically
Complete Tournament recap, including scoring and photos from the Final (Goizeko-Izarra)
For the two teams in the Final, we have three matches with full scoring data (courtesy of the wonderful work of Henry Ocafrain)
Xare=a pelota that goes into the side dugout screen or (I think) back dugout on the fly
Pumpa Xare=the same, except on a bounce. It is unknown if the below scoring counts back dugout direct points in these categories.
+22 (including 16 service aces and 3 direct points--2 Xares and 1 Pumpa Xare) -3
+19 (11a, 3dp--3X) -4
+19 (11a, 4dp--2X, 2PX) -8 (including 1 service fault)
Louiz Sanchez
+11 (7dp--3X, 4PX) -8
+15 (5dp--5PX) -6
+14 (6dp--1X, 5PX) -11
+40 (18dp--4X, 14PX!) -25
Malik Niang
+23 (12a, 7dp--6X, 1PX) -4
+18 (11a, 1dp--1X) -3
+21 (10a, 3dp--2X, 1PX) -7
+62 (33a, 11dp--9X, 2PX) -14
Cedric Lucu
+16 (5dp--4X, 1PX) -8
+10 (1dp--1X) -9
+5 (2dp--2X) -10
+31 (8dp--7X, 1PX) -27
October 28
FINAL
Aguirre-Sanchez* (4-0; +64) 50 Niang*-Lucu (3-1; +48) 45 (Info Garaazi Officiel Youtube)
Selected linescore (Pilota Ttiki, Esku Pilota, and Goizeko-Izarra--Henry Ocafrain) (winners always listed 1st)
2-2; 3-7; 8-12;14-25; 15-25; 22-28; 28-32; 33-33; 36-34; 42-38; 47-43; 50-45
Scoring (Henry Ocafrain)
Aguirre +19 (inluding 11 service aces and 4 direct points--2 Xare, 2 Pumpa Xare) -8 (including 1 service fault); Sanchez +14 (6dp--1X 5PX) -11
Niang +21 (10a, 3dp--2X, 1PX) -7; Lucu +5 (2dp--2X) -10
Time of the Match: 1:35:06
Playing Time: 41:01
Match article (Pilota Ttiki)
Match article (Esku Pilota)
Brief Goizeko-Izarra article:
Magnifique finale qui sans conteste opposait les quatre meilleurs Pilotari de l’édition 2019 de la Coupe des Chasseurs.
Niang et Lucu ont mis la pression d’entrée mais Aguirre et Sanchez ont dominé la deuxième moitié de la partie.
Beaucoup d’ambiance dans les tribunes bien garnies du Garat.
Un bien bel après-midi!
Loose Google translation.
Magnificent final that unquestionably opposed the four best Pilotari of the 2019 edition of the Hunters Cup.
Niang and Lucu put the pressure of entry but Aguirre and Sanchez dominated the second half of the game.
A lot of atmosphere in the well-filled stands of the Garat.
A nice afternoon!
This was Aguirre's 5th consecutive Garat win, overall.
A-S were far behind early but fought back patiently and tenaciously, eventually dominating the match 35-10 in the last 3 1/2 decades, to win the Coup des Chasseurs championship. It was a match of power and relatively short points, many of which were breathtaking in spotlighting the strength, quickness, and grace of the contestants. Things that stood out to one fan:
Gregory Aguirre's high, booming serves that netted a good number of points, and the way he "changed up" on his serve, mixing the high boomers with hard low left and right side serves. This feature of his game kept N-L off balance.
Louiz Sanchez' mobility. He seemed to be everywhere, and didn't eschew charging forward and playing offense when opportunities arose. His 6 direct points led all scorers.
The patience with which A-S achieved their task, not in the length of individual points, but in the body language that never showed panic (even though Sanchez was quite vocal and there was occasional miscommunication between the winners) and indicated quiet confidence.
Malik Niang's power. The power of his "line drive" serves and shots is reminiscent of a young Iker Irribarria (ASPE Mano player). At 20 years old, he has tremendous strength and unlimited potential. He is energetic and enthusiastic. As he adds experience to his game, he is going to get a lot better, in my opinion. Even with all the strength and power, he showed a quick and effective right side dejada that is not often seen in this modality (4 of his 21 points came from it--they were the only dejadas in the match).
All in all, the match consumed 95 points in a little over an hour and a half. It was as entertaining a match as you will see. It was, of course, far from technically perfect, as the 30 errors committed attest to. But it was, quite simply, very much fun to watch.
October 21
2nd Semi-final
Mainhaguiet*-Iturbe (2-1; +32) 33 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube condensed full match video)
Selected linescore (Esku Pilota and Goizeko-Izarra (Henry Ocafrain)
2-2; 7-3; 11-9; 12-12; 14-14; 15-15; 17-17; 21-19; 22-20; (Iturbe injures elbow) 23-20; 29-21; 30-22; 34-26; 38-30; 39-31; 47-33; 50-33
Scoring (Henry Ocafrain):
Niang +18 (including 11 service aces and 1 direct point--1 Xare) -3; Lucu +10 (1dp--1X) -9
Mainhaguiet +13 (6a; 1dp--1X) -10; Iturbe +8(5dp--2X, 3PX) -12
Time of the Match: 1:21:37
Playing time: 34:08
Mainhaguiet +13 (6a; 1dp--1X) -10; Iturbe +8(5dp--2X, 3PX) -12
Time of the Match: 1:21:37
Playing time: 34:08
Match article (Esku Pilota)
A very tight match until 23-20 changed its complexion after Iturbe injured his elbow crashing into the right wall. N-L immediately went on a 6-1 run to open a lead that was then gradually increased to its largest margin at the end of the match. Niang has a dominant match with a net +15.
Niang*-Lucu advance to the Final.
Brief Goizeko-Izarra article:
Belle demi-finale avec un Public nombreux.
Niang et Lucu se sont difficilement mais irrémédiablement détachés en fin de partie.
Mainhaguiet et Iturbe se sont inclinés après nous avoir offert de très beaux points!
Il nous tarde la finale lundi prochain 28 octobre,... attention, à 16h, heure d’hiver oblige!
Loose Google translation.
Beautiful semifinal with a large audience.
Niang and Lucu have difficulty but irremediably detached at the end of the game.
Mainhaguiet and Iturbe bowed after giving us very nice points!
We are waiting for the finale next Monday, October 28th, ... beware, at 4 pm, winter time requires!
October 14
1st Semi-final
Maiz*-Iphar* (seeded in at the Semi-final level) 25 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube condensed full match video)
Selected linescore (Esku Pilota and Goizeko Izarra--Henry Ocafrain) (winners always listed 1st)
0-5; 3-7; 7-11; 9-11; 12-18; 12-19; 20-20; 27-23; 43-23; 46-24; 50-25
Scoring (Henry Ocafrain)
Aguirre +19(including 11 service aces and 3 direct points--3 Xare) -4; Sanchez +15(5dp--5 Pumpa Xare) -6
Maiz +13(7a; 3dp--2X, 1PX) -5; Iphar +2(1dp--1X) -11
Time of the Match: 1:16:49
Playing Time: 32:52
Match article (Esku Pilota)
After M-I got off to a great start, A-S used 7 and 16 point runs to outscore their opponents 38-6 and win easily. The match article praised young Andoni Iphar and said he was "un jeune a surveiller" ("a youngster to watch"), although his statistics didn't show it.
Aguirre-Sanchez* advance to the Final.
Brief Goizeko-Izarra article:
Belle partie de pelote cet après-midi.
Aguirre et Sanchez, impressionnants dans la 2ème moitié de la confrontation.
Maiz et Iphar n’ont pas démérité mais ont cédé!.
De beaux points. Public nombreux au rendez-vous.
Loose Google Translation
Nice game of pelota this afternoon.
Aguirre and Sanchez, impressive in the second half of the confrontation.
Maiz and Iphar did not play badly but gave way!
Beautiful points. A large crowd attended the match.
October 7
Round 2
L.Lambert-Harocarene* (1-1; -5) 36 (Info Garazi Officiel Youtube--Note: there are some technical issues early in the video, but they are resolved)
Selected linescore (Goizeko Izarra--Henry Ocafrain, and Esku Pilota) (winners always listed 1st)
3-3; 4-4; 5-5; 6-6; 8-8; 9-11; 15-15; 16-16; 17-17; 18-22; 24-24; 26-24; 34-26; 34-27; 45-27; 48-32; 48-36 50-36
Scoring (Henry Ocafrain): Note: Direct points (points scored via the pelota hitting the screen protecting the dugout before the opposition can hit it--Xare (pelota goes into the screen on the fly) and Pumpa Xare (same except on the bounce). It is unknown whether pelotas that go into the back dugout are included in these counts.
Aguirre +22 (including 16 service aces and 3 direct points--2X, 1PX) -3; Sanchez +11 (7dp--3X, 4PX) -8
L. Lambert +20 (13a, 2dp--1X, 1PX); -5; Harocarene +5 (2dp--2X) -12
Time of the Match: 1:19:18
Playing Time: 31:38
Match article (Esku Pilota)
Aguirre-Sanchez* advance to the Semi-finals.
Brief Goizeko-Izarra article:
Belle partie de pelote cet après-midi.
Aguirre et Sanchez, après une pluie d’égalités ont fini par dominer leurs excellents adversaires.
L. Lambert et Harocarene se sont bien défendus!.
De beaux points. Le Public ravi était au rendez-vous.
Loose Google translation:
Nice game of pelota this afternoon.
Aguirre and Sanchez, after a rain of equalities ended up dominating their excellent opponents.
L. Lambert and Harocarene defended themselves well!
Beautiful points. The delighted public was at the rendezvous.
The first half was a tremendous battle, featuring 9 equal scores. At the halfway point A-S had a 2 point lead. But they broke the game open with a 21-3 burst, including an 11 point run. Both fronts had excellent matches, accounting for 29 points on aces and 5 on direct points. The backs' differential was the difference as Sanchez sparkled with 7 direct points, while Harocarene was the only player with negative figures. For the match the total figures added to +58 -28.
September 30
2nd Round
Elgart-Hualde* (1-1; -18) 17 (Info Garazi Youtube full match video)
Selected linescore (Esku Pilota and Goizeko Izarra--Henry Ocafrain) (winners always listed 1st)
4-6; 6-6; 9-9; 10-10; 11-11; 15-13; 24-13; 24-15; 45-15; 50-17
Scoring: Henry Ocafrain
Mainhaguiet +26(including 13 service aces and 3 direct points--1 Xare and 2 Pumpa Xares) -3; Iturbe +3(1dp--1X) -4
Mainhaguiet +26(including 13 service aces and 3 direct points--1 Xare and 2 Pumpa Xares) -3; Iturbe +3(1dp--1X) -4
Elgart +5(3a) -9; Hualde +5(2dp--2PX) -12
Mainhaguiet*-Iturbe move on to the Semi-finals
Match article (Esku Pilota)
Brief Goizeko Izarra summary
Mainhaguet et Iturbe puissants, adroits et dominateurs.
Elgart et Hualde ont subi!
Loose Google Translation
Mainhaguet and Iturbe powerful, dexterous and domineering. Elgart and Hualde have suffered!
At 15-13, Elgart faulted. It all went "pear shaped" as M-I went on a 35-4 run to move on to the Semi-finals. Mainhaguet had a dominating performance with a net +23 and 13 aces. M-I have run up a 49 point differential in their first 2 matches.
September 23
2nd Round
Niang*-Lucu (2-0; +36) 50 Anchordoqui*-de Ezurra* (1-1; -4) 31
Selected linescore (Goizeko Izarra--Henry Ocafrain) (winners always listed first
2-2; 3-3; 7-3; 7-7; 8-8; 12-8; 17-13; 19-18; 22-18; 25-22; 28-22; 33-25; 38-25; 43-27; 49-31; 50-31
Scoring (Henry Ocafrain)
Niang +23(including 12 service aces and 7 dp-- (6X, 1PX) -4;
Lucu +16(5dp--4X, 1PX) -8
Anchordoqui +13(6a 2dp--2X) -3;
de Ezcurra +6(4dp--1X, 3PX) -8
Niang*-Lucu move on to the Semi-Finals
Match Article (Esku Pilota)
Goizeko Izzara brief summary
Belle partie, engagement total des quatre Pilotari.
Pans coupés et filets à la pelle!.
NiangI et Lucu méritent leur victoire. Anchordoqui et P. de Ezcurra ont opposé une belle résistance.
Beau Public ravi!
Loose Google translation
Nice match, total commitment of the four Pilotari.
Cut edges and fillets (xare and pumpa xare) with shovel!
NiangI and Lucu deserve their victory. Anchordoqui and P. de Ezcurra resisted well.
Nice crowd delighted!
N-L both dominated their opponents, running up +10 point advantages each. Errors were pretty evenly distributed. At each decade mark through 3 decades, they held a 4 point lead. In the 4th decade they stretched the lead to 6, in the 5th to 10. In the 6th they blew the match open, increasing their lead to 16. They increased it to 18 in the 7th. What had been a reasonably competitive match throughout the 1st half turned into an easy win.
September 16
1st Round
Aguirre-Sanchez* 40 Bielle-Larre* 20 (Info Garazi Youtube full match video)
Goizeko-Izzara brief summary
Aguirre et Sanchez en conquérants.
Malgré leur belle défense, Bielle et Larre ont cédé.
Score sévère dû aux buts ravageurs de Aguirre.
Loose Google Tranlation
Aguirre and Sanchez as conquerors.
Despite their good defense, Bielle and Larre gave in.
Severe score due to the aggressive goals of Aguirre.
L. Lambert-Harocarene* 40 Heguy*-Cubiat 31
Goizeko Izarra brief summary.
Une découverte : Arnaud Harocanere!. Belle équipe avec Laurent Lambert efficace et tonique.
Heguy pas dans sa meilleure forme et Çubiat décontenancé par la résistance de son adversaire ont laissé filer le score malgré un très belle fin de partie.
Des beaux points!
Loose Google Translation
A discovery: Arnaud Harocanere! Nice team with Laurent Lambert efficient and tonic.
Heguy not in his best form and Çubiat disconcerted by the resistance of his opponent let slip the score despite a very nice end game.
Beautiful points!
September 9
1st Round
Elgart-Hualde* 40 Inchauspe-Luro* 25 (Info Garazi Youtube condensed full match video) Note: there is no visible scoreboard in this video. You will have to keep score yourself.
Goizeko-Izarra brief summary:
Elgart et Hualde (sic) ont dominé leurs adversaires de bien belle façon.
Trop de pression pour Inchauspe et A. Luro qui se sont bien défendus.
Inchauspe retrouve sa main droite, pour celle de gauche, tout va bien. Merci pour les buts sur le pan coupé!
Partie agréable pour une belle assistance.
Google Translate:
Elgart and Hualde (sic) dominated their opponents very well.
Too much pressure for Inchauspe and A. Luro who defended themselves well.
Inchauspe finds his right hand, for the left one, everything is fine. Thanks for the goals on the cutaway!
Nice match for a nice audience
Mainhaguiet*-Iturbe 40 Lascor*-Amulet 24 (Info Garazi Youtube condensed full match video)
Goizeko-Izarra brief summary:
Mainhaguiet et Iturbe magnifiques ont malmené la paire Lascor et Amulet.
De beaux points!
Google Translate:
Mainhaguiet and Iturbe magnificent (as they) manhandled Lascor and Amulet.
Beautiful points!
September 2
1st Round
Niang*-Lucu 40 Cigarroa*-Garat* 23 (Info Garazi Officiel Youtube condensed match video)
Anchordoquy*-P. de Ezcurra* 40 Alcasena*-Bereterbide* 26 (Info Garazi Officiel Youtube condensed match video)
For more information on Le Garat Lundi traditional 50 point matches, including match coverage and a players' win-loss table, wee the recurring 50 point match page on the right side of the blog
For more information on Le Garat Lundi traditional 50 point matches, including match coverage and a players' win-loss table, wee the recurring 50 point match page on the right side of the blog
