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2022 International Tournaments
Hegoalde (South Basque Country-AKA Spain)
Jai Alai Winter Series--Gernika--January 19-March 20, 2022 (9 Full Match Videos)
Jai Alai World Tour
Donostia (San Sebastian) Grand Slam (May 14-June 11, 2022) (4 Full Match Videos)
Jai Alive 2.0
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Iparralde (North Basque Country--AKA France)
Cesta Punta Pro Tour
Cesta All Star Donibane Lohizune (Saint-Jean-de-Luz) (April 19-28, 2022) (9 Full Match Videos)
Cesta Punta Summer League (Biarritz, Pau) (May 6-June 17, 2022) (6 Full Match Videos)
Grand Slam, Espoir (Group B) (June 22-August 25)
Donibane Lohizune (Saint-Jean-de-Luz) Grand Slam (Group A) (July 5-August 25) (4 Master and 1 SLAM) (15 Full Match Videos)
Gant d'Or (Biarritz) (July 5-August 30) (4 Master and 1 SLAM)
Pau Cup (July 15-September 2) (2 Master and 1 SLAM)
Grand Chistera (Biarritz) (July 8-August 25, every Tuesday--Outdoor Cesta Punta--3 player teams, 75 meter court, no helmets)
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Fronton Mexico (Mexico City)
Tourneo Betway (May 19-26) (14 Full Match Videos)
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Dania Jai Alai (Dania Beach Florida)
Battle at the Palace (April 1-10) 14 Full Match Videos)
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NOTE: THE ENTIRE WINTER SERIES IS ALSO AVAILABLE VIA EITB YOUTUBE PLAYLIST. THE PLAYLIST IS IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. (ADDED APRIL 18, 2022).
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MATCH 9: MARCH 20: Final
Group A(#1) Aritz Erikiaga-Jon Zabala v
Group B(#1) Inaki Goikoetxea-Aimar Aldazabal
MATCH 8:--March 14: 2ND SEMI-FINAL
Group B(#1) Inaki Osa Goikoetxea-Aimar Aldazabal v
Group A(#2) Jean Olharan-Nicolas Etcheto
MATCH 7--March 7: 1ST SEMI-FINAL
Group A(#1) Aritz Erkiaga-Jon Zabala v
Group B(#2) Diego Beaskoetxea-Ibon Aldazabal
DO NOT GO PAST THE SET OF HORIZONTAL LINES BELOW IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS, THEY ARE BELOW.
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LATEST NEWS: Diego Beaskoetxea announces that he may retire after this competition (Jai Alai News Facebook, February 3, 2022) (Castilian). See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
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Dania Jai Alai closed its doors in late November 2021, marking the end of the traditional long court game in the United States. Many of it roster went home to the Basque Country. On Saturday, January 30, The Jai Alai Winter Series, sponsored by Basque Credit Union Laboral Kutxa began its 1st Winter Series with a 12 man roster.
EITB: JAI ALAI WINTER SERIES PAGE (includes links to on demand videos of all matches, player information, a two part documentary (Jai Alai: The Last Flight), SHORT HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL MATCHES (ADDED MARCH 1, 2022), and other features.
JAWS players
AURRELIAK--DELANTEROS--AVANTS--FRONTS
INAKI OSA GOIKOETXEA (41 YEARS OLD)
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA (40)
ARITZ ERKIAGA (34)
JEAN OLHARAN (32)
XABI BARANDIKA (31)
JOKIN ARBE (30)
AZTELARIAK--ZAGUEROS--ARRIERES--BACKS
AIMAR ALDAZABAL (39)
IMANOL LOPEZ (37)
IBON ALDAZABAL (35)
JON ZABALA (33)
NICOLAS ETCHETO (32)
UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (26)
Note: Ages are given here, as they were part of a Noticias de Gipuzkoa article (Castilian) which stressed that the average age of the puntistas was about 35. It contrasted this with the ages (at end of 2022) of the contestants of the recently concluded World Singles Championships--Thibault Basque (26); Ekaitz Mendizabal Goixerri (23); Antxon Alberdi (32); Cosme Agirre (25); Alex Goitia (22); Ludovic Laduche (28); and Julen Del Reo (26). (Note that the finalists in that Tournament were Aritz and Lopez. "Green shoots" as the article puts it, in contrast to the the Old Guard that dominates this Tournament.
Due to the fact that traditional long court cesta punta is now gone from the US, there are enough players who have moved back to the Basque Country to support almost year round professional play. That is where EITB, the Basque TV network comes in. They are supporting the Winter Series with live broadcasts of each match on EITB 1.
There will by 6 teams, 3 in Group A and 3 in Group B. The two groups will play a single round robin. After that there will be two semi-finals (Group A#1 v Group B#2 and Group B#1 v Group A#2) and a Final. Matches began on Saturday January 30, but after that there will be one match each Monday at 22:30 local time, live and then on demand via EITB On Demand (Under the title "Jai Alai Winter Series", or at the above listed EITB link). Matches are played in two 15 point sets. Tie-breaker, if necessary is played to 5 points. An unlimited amount of 1st serve over serves (Pasa) are allowed without penalty. Under serves are automatic faults. Carom serves are allowed.
ROUND ROBIN SCORING:
2-0 WIN=4 POINTS
2-1 WIN=3 POINTS
1-2 LOSS=1 POINT
0-2 LOSS=0 POINTS
(ADDED FEBRUARY 7, 2022)
Group A: Barandika-Lekerikabeaskoa; Olharan-Etcheto; Erkiaga-Zabala
Group B: Goikoetxea-A. Aldazabal; Arbe-Lopez; Beaskoetxea-I. Aldazabal
Note: I will be providing direct match video links in the schedule, for those who wish no spoilers. More information on each match (scores, line scores, scoring, Balls in Play, time of match, and links to match articles) will be available below these links.
Match 1 Jan 29 : Group A: Barandika-Lekerika v Erkiaga-Zabala (FULL MATCH VIDEO)
Match 2 Jan 31: Group B: Arbe-Lopez v Beaskoetxea-I. Aldazabal (FULL MATCH VIDEO)
Match 3 Feb 7: Group A: Olharan-Etcheto v Erkiaga-Zabala
Match 4: Feb 14: Group B: Goikoetxea-A. Aldazabal v Beaskoetxea-I. Aldazabal
Match 5: Feb 21: Group A: Baradika-Lekerika v Olharan-Etcheto
Match 6: Feb 28: Group B: Goikoetxea-A. Aldazabal v Arbe-Lopez
Match 7: Mar 7: 1ST SEMI-FINAL
Group A(#1) Aritz Erkiaga-Jon Zabala v
Group B(#2) Diego Beaskoetxea-Ibon Aldazabal
DO NOT GO PAST THIS POINT IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS, THEY ARE BELOW.
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FINAL--MARCH 20, 2022 (ATTENDANCE: APPROXIMATELY 1,800)
ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA (GROUP A#1) 2
INAKI GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL (GROUP B#1) 0
(15-7, 15-12) 30-19
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 8 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
JAI ALAI WINTER SERIES (JAWS) FINAL IN PICTURES (27 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (El Correo)
I could find no linescores for this match
Full match scoring (EITB) 49 points
Erkiaga +16 -5 Zabala +5 -2
Goikoetxea +12 -7 A. Aldazabal +0 -2
Total Score +33 -16 (.673)
Balls in Play: 362
Erkiaga 77, Zabala 108, Goikoetxea 79, A. Aldazabal 98
Individual Non-error%:
Erkiaga (77-5)/77 (.935); Zabala (108-2)/108 (.981)
Gopikoetxea (79-7)/79 (.911); A. Aldazabal (98-2)/98 (.980)
Match Non-error % (362-16)/362 (.956)
Time of the Match: 69:19 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
BIP per Point: 7.4
Time per Point: 84.9
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SEMI FINAL 2: MARCH 14, 2022
INAKI GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL (GROUP B#1) 2
JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO (GROUP A#2
1
(15-10, 8-15, 5-2) (28-27)
(FULL MATCH VIDEO) (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 8 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
MATCH ARTICLE (EL CORREO) (Castilian)
LINESCORE (MATCH WINNERS ALWAYS LISTED 1ST)
Set 1: 2-0; 2-6; 4-6; 4-7; 10-7; 10-9; 13-9; 13-10; 15-10
(2 equal scores, 2 lead changes)
Set 2: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; 2-3; 2-4; 4-4; 4-5; 5-5; 5-10; 6-10; 6-11; 7-11; 7-13; 8-13; 8-15
(4 equal scores, 0 lead changes)
Tie Breaker: 1-0(28 balls in play); 1-1(6); 2-1(4); 3-1(11); 4-1(7); 4-2(4); 5-2(10)
70 BALLS IN PLAY
Tie Breaker Scoring--mine
Goikoetxea +3 -0 A. Aldazabal +1 -1
Olharan +1 -1 Etcheto +0 -0
Full Match Scoring (EITB) 55 points
Goikoetxea +15 -4 A. Aldazabal +5 -6
Olharan +11 -2 Etcheto +6 -6
Total Score: +37 -18 (.673)
Balls in Play: 528
Goikoetxea 118, A. Aldazabal 147, Olharan 133, Etcheto 130
Individual Non-Error % (BIP-errors)/BIP
Goikoetxea (118-4)/118 (.966); A. Aldazabal (147-6)/147 (.959)
Olharan (133-2)/133 (.985); Etcheto (130-6)/130 (.954)
Match Non-Error %: (528-18)/528 (.966)
Time of the Match: 86:32 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
BIP per Point: 9.6
Time per Point: 94.4 seconds
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SEMI FINAL 1: MARCH 7, 2022
ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA (GROUP A#1) 2
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL (Gr B#2) 1
(15-7, 10-15, 5-1) (30-23)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 14 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
LINESCORE (MATCH WINNER ALWAYS LISTED 1ST) (Jai alai News Facebook).
Set 1: 0-5; 3-5; 3-6; 8-6; 8-7; 15-7
(1 equal score, 1 lead change)
Set 2: 2-0; 2-3; 3-3; 3-8; 4-8; 4-11; 6-11; 6-13; 10-13; 10-15
(2 equal scores, 1 lead change)
Tie Breaker: 1-0(7 balls in play); 1-1(6); 2-1(4); 3-1(7); 4-1(7) 5-1(3) (34 balls in play)
Tie Breaker Scoring--mine
Erkiaga +2 -0; Zabala +1 -0
Beaskoetxea +0 -0; I. Aldazabal +1 -2
Scoring (EITB) (53 points)
Erkiaga +15 -3; Zabala +1 -11
Beaskoetxea +5 -7; I. Aldazabal +4 -7
Total Score: +25 -28 (.472)
Balls in Play: 416
Erkiaga 103, Zabala 109, Beaskoetxea 89, I. Aldazabal 115
Individual Non-Error % (BIP-errors)/BIP
Erkiaga (103-3)/103 (.971); Zabala (109-11)/109 (.899)
Beaskoetxea (89-7)/89 (.921) I. Aldazabal (115-7)/115 (.939)
Match Non-Error %: (416/28)/416 (.933)
Time of the Match: 83:22 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
BIP per Point: 7.8
Time per Point: 94.4 seconds
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FINAL LEAGUE TABLES
FINAL GROUP A TABLE
ARITZ ERKIAGA-JOHN ZABALA (2-0; 62-52; +10; 7 PTS)
JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO (1-1; 53-58; -5; 3 PTS)
XABIER BARANDIKA-UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (0-2; 60-65; -5; 1 PT)
ERKIAGA-ZABALA AND OLHARAN-ETCHETO ADVANCE TO SEMI-FINALS
FINAL GROUP B TABLE:
INAKI GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL (1-1; 56-49; +7; 5 PTS)
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL (1-1; 49-50; -1; 4 PTS)
JOKIN ARBE-IMANOL LOPEZ (1-1; 50-56; -6; 3 PTS)
GOIKOETXEA-A. ALDAZABAL AND BEASKOETXEA-I. ALDAZABAL ADVANCE TO THE SEM-FINALS
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For those who wish to follow chronologically, match information is arranged from latest to earliest.
MATCH 6: GROUP B: February 28, 2022
JOKIN ARBE-IMANOL LOPEZ (1-1, 50-56, 3 PTS, -6) 2
INAKI OSA GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL (1-1, 56-49, 5PTS +7) 1
(10-15, 15-8, 5-3) (30-26)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 10 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook. Note: The Google English translation below also lists the standings of each group as of today.
Partial Linescore (Jai Alai News Facebook) (match winners always listed 1st).
Set 1: 1-0; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2; 4-2; 4-5; 5-5; 5-10; 6-10; 6-11; 8-11; 9-12; 9-14; 10-14; 10-15
(4 equal scores, 1 lead change)
Set 2: 2-0; 2-2; 8-2; 8-6; 13-6; 13-7; 14-7; 14-8; 15-8
(1 equal score, 0 lead changes)
Tie Breaker: 1-0; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2(20 balls in play); 3-2; 3-3; 5-3
Tie Breaker Scoring--mine
Arbe +4 -2 Lopez +0 -0
Goikoetxea +1 -0 A. Aldazabal +0 -1
Full match scoring (EITB)
Arbe +10 -5 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +15 -11)
Lopez +6 -6 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +9 -11)
Goikoetxea +13 -4 (Round Robin Total Scoring : +27 -9)
A. Aldazabal +1 -10 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +5 -15)
(Scoring adds to 30-25)
Total Score (55 points): +30 -25 (.545)
Balls in Play: 380
Arbe 85; Lopez 107; Goikoetxea 85; Aimar 103
Non-error %: (for known points) (380-25)/380 (.934)
Time of the Match: 74:14 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
BIP per Point (for all 56 points): 6.8
Time per Point (for all 56 points): 79.5 seconds
+++++++
MATCH 5: GROUP A: February 21, 2022
JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO (1-1; 53-58; 3 PTS; -5) 2
XABIER BARANDIKA-UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (0-2; 60-65; 1PT; -5) 1
(13-15, 15-11, 5-2) (33-28)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 7 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook. Note: The Google English translation below also lists the standings of each group as of today.
Linescore (Jai Alai News Facebook) (match winners always listed 1st).
Set 1: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; 4-2; 4-3; 6-3; 6-9; 9-9; 9-13; 10-13; 10-14; 13-14; 13-15
(2 equal scores, 2 lead changes)
Set 2: 1-0; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2; 4-2; 4-3; 8-3; 8-4; 9-4; 9-6; 11-6; 11-7; 12-7; 12-8; 13-8; 13-11; 15-11
(2 equal scores, 0 lead changes)
Tie Breaker: 0-1 (24 balls in play); 1-1; 1-2; 2-2 3-2 (25 balls in play); 5-2
Tie Breaker Scoring--mine
Olharan +1 -1; Etcheto +1 -0
Barandika +1 -1; Lekerikabeaskoa +0 -2
Full Match Scoring (EITB)
Olharan +11 -6 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +20 -14)
Etcheto +4 -9 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +5 -15)
Barandika +9 -7 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +23 -13)
Lekerikabeaskoa +4 -11 (Round Robin Total Scoring: +9 -13)
Total Score: +28 -33 (.459)
Balls in Play: 515
Olharan 150; Etcheto 110; Barandika 106; Lekerikabeaskoa 149
Non-error %: (515-33)/515 (.936)
Time of the match: 79:15 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
BIP per Point: 8.4
Time per Point: 78.0 seconds
+++++++
MATCH 4: GROUP B: February 14, 2022
INAKI OSA GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL (1-0; 30-19; 4 PTS; +11) 2
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL (1-1; 49-50; 4 PTS; -1) 0
(15-12, 15-7) (30-19)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 11 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook. Note: The Google English translation below also lists the standings of each group as of today.
Linescore (Jai Alai News Facebook) (match winners always listed 1st).
Set 1:
0-2; 6-2; 6-4; 8-4; 8-6; 10-6; 10-7; 11-7; 11-8; 12-8; 12-9; 13-9; 13-11; 14-11; 14-12; 15-12
(1 equal score, 1 lead change)
Set 2:
0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 4-2; 4-3; 5-3; 5-4; 11-4; 11-5; 12-5; 12-6; 13-6; 13-7; 15-7
(2 equal scores, 1 lead change)
Scoring (EITB)
Goikoetxea +14 -5; A. Aldazabal +4 -5
Beaskoetxea +8 -4 (Round Robin Scoring Total: +24 -7)
I. Aldazabal +1 -8 (Round Robin Scoring Total: +4 -17)
Total Score: +27 -22 (.551)
Total Beaskoetxea-I. Aldazabal Round Robin Score: +28 -24 (.538)
Balls in Play: 411
Goikoetxea 100; A. Aldazabal 111; Beaskoetxea 72; I. Aldazabal 128
Non-error %: (BIP - errors)/BIP (411-22)/411 (.946)
Time of the match: 76:26 (EITB does not calculate playing time.)
Average BIP per point: 8.4
Average time per point: 93.6 seconds
+++++++
MATCH 3: GROUP A: February 7, 2022
ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA (2-0; 62-52; 7 PTS; +10) 2
JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO (0-1; 20-30; 0 PTS; -10) 0
(15-12, 15-8) (30-20)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 9 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook. Note: The Google English translation below also lists the standings of each group as of today.
Partial Linescore (Jai Alai News Facebook) (match winners always listed 1st.
Set 1:
0-2; 1-2; 1-5; 4-5; 4-6; 5-6; 5-7; 6-7; 6-8; 8-8; 8-9; 9-9; 9-10; 11-10; 11-12; 15-12
(5 equal scores, 3 lead changes)
Set 2:
1-0; 1-1; 3-2; 5-2; 5-4; 9-4; 9-6; 13-6; 13-7; 14-7; 15-8
Scoring (EITB)
Erkiaga +13 -3 (Round Robin Scoring Total: +34 -13)
Zabala +3 -7 (Round Robin Scoring Total: +5 -10)
Olharan +9 -8; Etcheto +1 -6
Total Score: +26 -24 (.520)
Total Erkiaga-Zabala Round Robin Score: +39 -23 (.629)
Balls in play: 296
Erkiaga 81; Zabala 71; Olharan 78; Etcheto 66
Non-error %: (BIP - errors)/BIP (296 -24)/296 (.919)
Time of the match: 52:07 (EITB does not calculate playing time).
Average BIP per point: 5.9
Average time per point: 62.5 seconds
+++++++
MATCH 2: GROUP B: January 31, 2022
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL (1-0; 30-20; 4 PTS; +10) 2
JOKIN ARBE-IMANOL LOPEZ (0-1; 20-30; 0 PTS -10 ) 0
(15-11, 15-9) (30-20)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 6 PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook) See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
Partial line scores (match winners always listed first)
Set 1: 0-1; 1-1; 1-4; 2-4; 2-5; 4-5; 4-6; 6-6; 6-8; 9-8; 9-9; 11-9; 11-10; 13-10; 13-11; 15-11 (4 equal scores, 1 lead change)
Set 2: 1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-2; 4-2; 4-3; 5-3; 5-6; 8-6; 8-8; 13-8; 15-9 (1 equal score, 2 lead changes)
Scoring (EITB):
Beaskoetxea +16 -3; I. Aldazabal +3 -9
Arbe +5 -6; Lopez +3 -5
Total score: +27 -23 (.540)
Balls in Play: 410
Beaskoetxea 104; I. Aldazabal 106; Arbe 76; Lopez 124
Non-error %: (BIP - errors)/BIP (410-23)/410 (.944)
Time of the match: 74:32 (EITB does not calculate playing time).
Average BIP per point: 8.2
Average time per point: 89.4 seconds
+++++++
MATCH 1: GROUP A: January 29, 2022
ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA (1-0; 32-32; 3 PTS; +0) 2
XABI BARANDIKA-UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (0-1; 32-32; 1 PT +0) 1
(12-15, 15-14, 5-3) (32-32)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
MATCH ARTICLE (INCLUDING 10 MATCH PHOTOS) (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook). See the bottom of the page for Google Translate English for those who do not use Facebook.
Partial line scores (match winners always listed first)
Set 1: 0-4; 1-6; 3-9; 4-9; 6-10; 10-11; 11-11; 11-12; 12-12; 12-15
Set 2: 2-3; 6-4; 6-6; 7-7; 9-7; 13-10; 14-11; 14-14; 15-14
Tie Breaker: 2-0; 2-3; 5-3 (Scoring: Erkiaga +3 -1; Barandika +2 -2)
Scoring (EITB):
Erkiaga +21 -10; Zabala +2 -3
Barandika +14 -6; Lekerikabeaskoa +5 -2
Note: These scores add to 31-32). There is one point missing.
Total Score: +42 -21 (.667)
Balls in Play: 486
Erkiaga 148; Zabala 97; Barandika 111; Lekerikabeaskoa 130
Non-error %: (BIP - errors)/BIP (486-21)/486 (.957)
Time of the match: 85:40 (EITB does not calculate playing time).
Average BIP per point: 7.6
Average time per point: 80.3 seconds
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GOOGLE ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF JAI ALAI NEWS MATCH ARTICLES
FINAL: MARCH 20: GROUP A#1 ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA V GROUP B#1 INAKI GOIKOTXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL
ERKIAGA AND BACK, Lord and Master!
... And the tip basket wins.
GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR vs ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 7-15, 12-15
MVP of the tournament: Aritz Erkiaga
Photos : B. Pretty.
March 20, 2022 will go down in the history of the basket-point. It's the day the old recipes of the basket-tip have been buried. The Jai Alai Winter Series has been the air the sport needed, and the collaboration of EITB and Gernika Jai Alai Professional opens up a new time for the most international modality of Basque ball. Today everyone wanted to be on the front line. Having a ticket wasn't enough. A lot of people have decided to line up at the gate of the Cathedral, the first, around 9:30 in the morning. Two and a half hours before the game. So much illusion has been created, we don't know what's coming next, but this was to be lived. Not even lehendakari Urkullu wanted to miss the date!. Last one to appear was Ardanza.
The atmosphere has been exceptional. No fern fit in the Jai Alai. The ones who have cheered the most have been the markinarras. With their t-shirts, banners and chants, they have conveyed strength to Zabala. What a game he has played. SHARE! Sure, very sure, he has been the best shield possible for artist Erkiaga. He's hit him tremendous right balls, he's dominated the game but above all, he's not missed anything. Bullet has been shot! For the game, and for the championship.
The match has started in favor of the Blues. Aritz Erkiaga, the artist, the master of Jai Alai, has warned Goikoetxea's first singing. With two walls upside down from seven and a half, it has made it clear to the zumiarra to take good care of the width. Already with that play, Aritz gets to open up more spaces on the court, and when he sets aside, the world shakes. Make everyone dance. Nobody knows what he's going to do. He can dare with anything and has an innate capacity for it. Inside, wide, two walls, txik txak... Where do you place yourself? Ispaster's one has been a cyclone and no one could stop him. With the plays he's thrown out, you can easily make a tutorial for Youtube. Precious also two rebounds in both seven. The first one was able to take Aimar, but the second one couldn't. The game wasn't excited, the Colorados wanted but couldn't and in a blink of an eye, they saw 1-11 from behind. In both 12, Zabala has dared with a cut top of the txapa, but Goiko's look has shown him that we need to be more careful with that move. It's been so long but it's been too close. Not like the second one who has thrown the markinarra. Perfect from quite the inside, it's been so much that closed the first set. By then the Colorado had managed to conceal the marker, partly thanks to a few sides of Goiko. 7-15.
Second game more balanced. They have tied in the first three cards and the blues, still ahead, haven't broken the set. On two occasions, Bullet has hit the right hard, passing over Goiko and forcing the Aimar Concentration, so that he could then finish Aritz "a mama". Goikoetxea has been able to stand out more in this set with out-of-the-box remittance and an IM-PRE-SIO-NAN-TE two right walls from box seven. It's been amazing and passing, they got close 4-5. There has been a lot for the controversy, when the forward judge asked a "stick" from Zabala. In the replay of Euskal Telebista it was seen that he wasn't. The tie has arrived at seven and this time at least it looked like it had gone. Aritz at least missed some rematch. That was the moment Goiko and Aimar could switch turns. There's been tension and excitement, but the blues have reappeared. Ispaster's forward has amazed us all with a bounce next to the left wall. Highly forced, from the ground, he threw two walls sending the ball straight into the net. IMMENSE. The whole front has recognized him: the public, standing and applauding, and the pelotaris on the court, lifting baskets in a sign of respect. It's been the whole game. Goikoetxea has put excitement on the scoreboard again, dominating first the tanto, and then sending txik-txak. What a precious sport we have, in which you can make draws and back plays! 10-13. There hasn't been much more. In Aritz's latest haul, the front has stood up to applaud one of the greats in this sport's history. Goiko is too, and for palmaris, much more, but now it's Erkiaga who is living his moment. He is an extraordinary baller. The blue couple weren't among the favorites to win the tournament, but Zabala has claimed a lot in this Winter Series. He was in charge of finishing the match, with a perfect txula. 'Bullet' match made things a little easier for Aritz Erkiaga. The artist of Jai Alai.
Aritz Erkiaga has received the EITB Hand Tournament Best Player Award. The Basque public chain has had a historical perspective and risking a lot, it has made a clear and true bet for the tip basket. No one has ever made such an effort before. The result has been amazing.
It hasn't been the brightest game of the championship, but people have roared, vibrated and enjoyed every bit of it. It has been JAI ALAI in pure state. Cheerful party. This is a basket-point. This is what he needs. If things go right, this sport is a hit. We're talking about a top-notch sport. A lot of people have discovered the sport this winter. Others, just today. People "flip" in the front. The Jai Alai Winter Series is over. But it has marked the beginning of a time in which everyone must stand tall.
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SEMI-FINAL 2, MARCH 14: GROUP B#1 INAKI GOIKOTXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL V GROUP A#2 JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO
GOIKOETXEA AND AIMAR, TWO ROCKERS IN THE FINALS!
GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR vs OLHARAN-ETCHETO: 15-10, 8-15, 5-2
1st Set: 2-0, 2-6, 4-6, 4-7, 10-7, 10-9, 13-9, 13-10, 15-10.
2nd set: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 4-4, 4-5, 5-5, 5-10, 6-10, 6-11, 7-11, 7-13, 8-13, 8-15.
3rd set: 1-0, 1-1, 4-1, 4-2, 5-2.
Old rockers never die. That's what the popular saying goes. Goiko and Aimar are rockers, but they don't have any oldies. Zumaia's striker has passed since his forties and Aimar has them down, but they have proven to be the best couple in the championship alongside Erkiaga and Zabala. Iñaki and Aimar are very confident. They have been known since the Berriatua pelotan, still very young, made his debut as a striker in Miami. They have coincided for many years on many fronts and concentrations and have rehearsed infinite times together.
Goiko and Aimar are rockers. Remember the day they went to see Metallica at the Florida Panthers (ice hockey team) north of Miami. Iñaki also had his own group in the USA: The Usual Fellas. Aimar didn't dare that much. They say rock got old, obsolete. Here comes the electronics, the trap, the regueton... but no, rock music, with some good speakers and a great band on stage, is unbeatable. That's why Iñaki and Aimar have reached the final. Their music has sounded powerful on the Guernique stage, and with all due respect they will play the final. There may be other bands perhaps more fashionable, but Goikoetxea and Aimar are the head of the Jai Alai Winter Series.
In the semifinals, Olharan and Etcheto didn't come to play basket-point. They have come to play in Plaza Libre. The ball modality that is played in front of discovered and no wall bounce, where the ballers delay the ball backwards as much as they can. That was the idea of Iparralde's. Avoid goko and acribute aimar. Olharan has barely finished but the plan hasn't worked. Aimar, as throughout the championship, has shown himself very confident, Goikoetxea has come down to help him. The Blues didn't finish, but they made mistakes. They went from 4-7 ahead to 10-7 behind. Goiko, with a live ball, has drawn such a beautiful wide bounce. To frame. A set of a lot of balling, fighting and few fins. 15-10 for the colorados.
On the second, things have changed a lot. Olharan has risked more, he had no other, and although the score has gone even, after 5-5 the Blues have scored distances. In such a fighting and eye-catching, with jumps and finishes, Olharan has done so much of a bounce, leaving the bridge to the Berriatua Zaguero. Goiko and Aimar have relaxed a bit, the Blues have taken advantage to make another pair of so many, the Colorados have made some mistakes and in those four-five so many have lost confidence. They've gone from having control of the game, to see everything complicated. Both 14 of the blues has been a beautiful cut from Olharan wide. Public applause, and recognition to Goiko's play. They have closed the set without major fears. 8-15 for the blues and the draw.
Nothing else to start the decisive sleeve, the front has been silenced. The stands were full, but the audience didn't speak. There was a lot of tension, and all the attention was on the court. The first one was a very long one. Very sorry. The blues attacking Aimar. But after the fatigue of the second set, Berriatua's one was already more physically recovered. Olharan has thrown the first cut, but Goiko has arrived. More balling. Cut off Goiko, cut off Olharan, the audience in a sigh and at the end Etcheto has failed to start a boat-run ball. 1-0 for the Colorado's.
The tie has arrived with a bit of luck. What a “stick and go” is said: Olharan pulls upside down, the ball pink the left wall before the front, the ball opens wide, jumping right in and hiding in the net. 1-1.
Goiko, now on the right, stings the ball and Etcheto, again from a boat run, doesn't get to start. 2-1.
Goikoetxea cut 3-1
Olharan dares with two sides, one to txik-txak and the other to inside, but Aimar comes well to both and in the end it is Pau's forward who fails against the left wall. 4-1.
All the standing audience applauded Goikoetxea. It may be the last of both of these wonderful Mondays that Winter Series has given us. But no. Nicolas Etcheto, with a perfect baller upside down, starts Aimar against the bounce wall, impossible to take good. 4-2.
The blues have it very hard, but not impossible. Olharan, in another so balled, asks Etcheto to let him bounce a ball that opens. The forward Paloise, running back, approaches the net, skates, hits his leg, and falls to the ground, crashing almost against Goikoetxea. I had nothing to do. 5-2 for the Colorado's in a beautiful final set.
Loving, excited, cuddling with Goikoetxea. Thanks to his rocker friend he's going to play this great final. The most media basketball championship in recent decades. Berriatua's, a pelotarian of qualities, sacrificed and of a lot of fans, deserves it. Not just for the work done at the Winter Series, which has been excellent. But for his more than two decades of total commitment to the Jai Alai.
Olharan and Etcheto, almost failed, stand up, look at the audience, raise their arms, lift the basket, and in a memorable gesture, thank for a long time all the ballers who have come to the front during all these Mondays. The audience, also excited, responds to them with an ovation. It's a gesture that honors them, and that summarizes what all of us basket-point lovers are living in at this very special moment for the sport. The result is important, but the one who is winning day by day is the basket-point. For the first time in many years, someone has believed in this sport. That someone has been ETB. The pelotans and fans have responded excellently, demonstrating what the life size of this sport is.
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SEMI-FINAL 1, MARCH 7: GROUP A#1 ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA V GROUP B#2 DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL
ERKIAGA-ZABALA, FINAL WINNERS (ADVANCE TO FINAL)!
(DEFEAT) BEASKOETXEA- (I.)ALDAZABAL: 15-7, 10-15, 5-1
1st Set: 0-5, 3-5, 3-6, 8-6, 8-7, 15-7
2nd Set: 2-0, 2-3, 3-3, 3-8, 4-8, 4-11, 6-11, 6-13, 10-13, 10-15
3rd set: 1-0, 1-1, 5-1
Aritz Erkiaga and Jon Zabala are the first qualified for the Jai Alai Winter Series final. They also do it by winning all three games. 2-1 against Barandika-Lekerika, 2-0 against Olharan-Etcheto, and into the semi-final, 2-1 against Beaskoetxea-Aldazabal. They're the only ones who haven't been defeated in the Jai Alai Winter Series.
Tickets for the seventh feature of the Jai Alai Winter Series had sold out over the weekend. Erkiaga and Zabala, started as light favourites but the game has started with a 0-5 in favor of the Blues. "Bullet" errors and collusion of the Colorado ones. In those five so many there hasn't been time yet to have a clue what the game could be. With the start of balling, Aritz has started to get into the game, cover the court, risk the playoffs and turn both the plays he threw. At 6-6 the Colorados had already managed to draw and almost one stain they went to the 15th. Zabala played a great set with the Colorado ball. The blues, want and can't. Erkiaga has opened big holes with his bounce. A couple of them have been framed, inside out. Diego has barely had an option to enter the game. Nothing to do. Superiority of Aritz and Zabala, 15-7.
Game 2, everything has changed. The Blues have avoided Erkiaga and with a dead ball they have managed to kick Zabala in the bounce. Ispaster's one has been a mere spectator until mid-set. The lead has been as many as seven (4-11) but despite being a mission impossible, the Colorado's wanted to reach the third set, at least, more confident. Great preview of Euskal Telebista's take, from the locker rooms, where we were able to hear Aritz's private conversation with Zabala in one of the stops. Pure psychological work. Erkiaga has begun to risk throwing sides and in the 6-12, there has been some controversy when the judge hit Aritz forward. Neither Beaskoetxea-Aldazabal nor the audience had observed it and but so it has been appreciated in the ETB taking. The Colorados have done a few more, highlighting a side bounce, from the inside to the width of Erkiaga, and another side into Diego. The set is finished with a Zabala stick near the bounce wall. 10-15.
Last set. The Blues dominate but Zabala, corner backed, does so much in reverse leaving the ball halfway between Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal. 1-0. Aldazabal, right-wing, throws the ball in the 10th and Aritz doesn't get a start. 1-1. Side by side inside Erkiaga. 2-1. The Blues have their chance, Beaskoetxea throws two but Erkiaga arrives and ends both. 3-1. Side bow into inside Aritz, Aldazabal fails treadmill. 4-1. Following the final draw, Erkiaga seals the match by putting the ball on top of the txapa. 5-1.
Anecdotes: In addition to Euskal Telebista, presence of TV and American TV cameras in the front, making connections and reporting on the basket-point.
Next Monday, second semi-final: OLHARAN-ETCHETO (2nd Group A) vs GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR (1st Group B). One of the tickets for the end of the day 20 already has its owner, with all merit.
CONGRATULATIONS ARITZ AND AMPLIA!
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MATCH 6, FEBRUARY 21: GROUP B: JOKIN ARBE-IMANOL LOPEZ V INAKI OSA GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL
ARBE AND LOPEZ SAY GOODBYE WITH VICTORY
* GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR vs ARBE-LOPEZ: 15-10, 8-15, 3-5
*Jai Alai Winter Series semi-finals are set
*Gernika doesn't seem to have a ball. Another full on the front
1st Set:: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-4, 5-4, 5-5, 10-5, 10-6, 11-6, 11-8, 12-9, 14-9, 14-10, 15-10.
2nd set: 0-2, 2-2, 2-8, 6-8, 6-13, 7-13, 7-14, 8-14, 8-15.
3rd Set: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-3, 3-3, 3-5.
The semi-finals of the Jai Alai Winter Series are already set. Erkiaga-Zabala (Group A first) will face off next Monday against Beaskoetxea-Aldazabal (Second Group B). And on day 14, Olharan-Etcheto (Group A second) vs Goikoetxea-Aimar (Group B first). They are direct qualifiers and the final will be played on March 20, Sunday, at matinèe time.
Jokin Arbe and Imanol Lopez have been eliminated from the Jai Alai Winter Series today. They didn't have an easy task: win by two sets to zero, and also, take ten goals to Goiko and Aimar. The Blues (Arbe and Lopez) have started ahead with a one and two lead (0-1, 1-2, 2-4) but Goiko has been a lot Goiko in the first set. Just like in his debut in this competition, Iñaki has scored the differences. The Colorados first tied at five and then opened a hole with five in a row, getting 10-5. Lopez has taken the trampoline of the blues, trying to send, delay the ball and getting down when I saw him up to 9 and 10. We've seen a better Imanol than the one on the first day. Arbe has scored a little bit to the rest of the draw but he couldn't look much more in the first game either. Aimar Aldazabal, in his line, has shown himself safe and has held up well. The set has been for the colorados, 15-10. At that time, some were already classified, and the others eliminated. The match has lost excitement.
Still, the Blues have set the goal to win the game and leave with a win. They got it. Goikoetxea has played more relaxed and the Blues have shown themselves more comfortable on the court. Arbe, with more options ahead and with nothing to lose, has been able to risk more and the audience has enjoyed his plays. They won the set with relative ease, 8-15 and followed the same line in the third set, 3-5. Out of curiosity, Lopez has debuted a helmet with a grey-tone design, with images from Zumaia, Miami and Mexico.
Here's the ranking:
GROUP A: Erkiaga-Zabala (7 points), Olharan-Etcheto (3 points), Barandika-Lekerika (2 points)
GROUP B: Goikoetxea-aimar (5 points), Beaskoetxea-Aldazabal (4 points), Arbe-López (3 points).
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MATCH 5, FEBRUARY 21: GROUP A: JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO V XABIER BARANDIKA-UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA
WAVE AND TAGGING, SEMI-FINALS!
BARANDIKA-LEGARAN-ETCHETO: 15-13, 11-15, 2-5
1st Set: 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 2-4, 3-4, 3-6, 9-6, 9-9, 10-9, 11-9, 13-9, 13-10, 14-10, 14-13, 15-13.
2nd set: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-4, 3-4, 3-8, 4-8, 4-9, 5-9, 6-9, 6-11, 7-11, 7-12, 8-12, 8-13, 11-13, 11-15.
3rd set: 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 2-5.
Jai Alai Frontline of Gernika. 1,400 people gather to watch a basket-pip match... A Monday! Many are gernikarras and have gone to support their countrymen Barandika and Lekerika. But many others are outside. Buses organized from Pau, athletes like the aizkolari Iker Vicente, drivers or ex-manists like Ander Imaz and Pablo Berasaluze also go to the Cathedral. The match promises, but what moves them is the interest that is arising the basket-point, week-by-week, in this new stage for the sport of Jai Alai. There are a lot of new people discovering this sport. What is happening right now is extraordinary and maybe even historic. When the championship is over, it will be time for more paused thoughts.
Barandika and Lekerika, from Colorado, take to court to attempt to beat Olharan and Etcheto. The pressure is high for the viscainians. They play at home. There's a lot of tension on the court and that has led to the pelotaris making some mistakes in the first set. The least, Barandika. Very regular Xabi, showing a great defense, Olharan has tried to finish but Gernika's striker has not put him easy. The set has gone for streaks. First 3-6 up the blues but Gernika's have six in a row, 9-6. Olharan and Etcheto draw at nine and at the end of the set have seen the best points, 14-10 first the Colados and 15-13 at the end. Lekerika has scored so many right-wing, but Etcheto has dominated the game by showing his back to his opponent and moving easily on the court.
Second set has been pretty tough. Olharan has risked more, there was no other left. Win the set or say goodbye to the championship. In 2-3, Lekerika has received a ball in her left apple stuck to the bounce wall, but has managed to continue on the court. His striker Barandika has played at a very good level, with his magnificent defense he has prevented many from Olharan and has also executed good riddles. But today's haven't been the Olharan and Etcheto of the third day. Ahetze's zaguero has spread well backwards, delaying the ball, and Olharan has based his game on air or boat-run to the right of Lekerika, to then attempt to hurt. Sometimes it has cost him to put the cuts to the left wall, but they still brought the second game ahead, maintaining the initial lead of three-four so many. 4-8, 6-11, 8-12, 11-13 and 11-15. Also, at the end of the set, the living ball that the colorados were using was broken.
The knockout set has been good, with so many balls, fights, lots of tension, and finishes. Draw one and two, and so unexpected of Etcheto, daring with two side walls from the eight-nine frame (phenomenal two wall winner from the 8-9 line). The Blues went straight 2-3 to 2-5 and have qualified with a final cut from Olharan. The victory has been deserved. Good game by Jean Do, and Etcheto game.
Erkiaga and Zabala pass first in Group A with seven points, Olharan and Etcheto second with three, and Barandika and Lekerika eliminated with two points.
Next Monday we will meet the two semi-finalists of Group B. Game between Goikoetxea-Aimar and Arbe-López. The latter are bound to win 0-2 and make a good tanto-average to reach the semi-finals. Otherwise, it will be Goiko-Aimar and Beaskoetxea-Aldazabal who advance in the championship.
Let the Jai Alai party continue!
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MATCH 4, FEBRUARY 14: GROUP B: INAKI OSA GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR ALDAZABAL V DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL
THIS WAVE IS GOING UP MORE!
*Solid victory for Goikoetxea and Aimar in a hard-working and visionary match
* Full moon in Gernika. About 200 people were left unable to enter the front
GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR vs BEASCOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 15-12, 15-7
1st Set: 0-2, 6-2, 6-4, 8-4, 8-6, 10-6, 10-7, 11-7, 11-8, 12-8, 12-9, 13-9, 13-11, 14-11, 14-12, 15-12
2nd Set: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 4-2, 4-3, 5-3, 5-4, 6-4, 11-4, 11-5, 12-5, 12-6, 13-6, 13-7, 15-7.
The tip basket wave is getting more. Monday's schedule for TV issues, gave a lot of respect. The environment that has managed to carry Gernika Jai Alai during these years could be in danger. But with the expectation that has been created, the organization will have to rethink very seriously about not charging entry. Because even with entry, people will fill the front. It doesn't matter who plays. This Monday has surpassed all of the above. The 800 fan club has instantly been completed. About 200 people have had to turn around. Many had come from outside. Such a shame for them.
In the sports field, Iñaki Osa Goikoetxea and Aimar Aldazabal have presented their candidacy for the tournament. A candidacy, from what has been seen in the front, very solid. A very well competed couple, who in a hard game, worked, visually and with few mistakes, has surpassed Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal in two sets. The younger sibling, Ibon, has not managed to dominate as clearly as his brother Aimar was expected. This one has held him up well, although in the second part of the set he has "stuck" some other stick. Well Aimar, and very well Goikoetxea, hard-working and "stuffed". He's been the most regular of the four. Beaskoetxea hasn't been able to get much into the game, but he's finished well when he had the chance to enter Goiko's loot. Still, the Colorados' six-six-in-set touchdown (0-2, 6-2) has been fundamental and then Goiko and Aimar have held up well in the score.
In game two, more of the same. Well done Goiko and Aimar, they have scored another great five-tickets at half-set (6-4, 11-4), Iñaki down to the 10 and 11 and helping Aimar a lot, and Diego not being able to get into the game. Goiko has done better and the gernikarra has not been able to enter the rest as he did in the first set. At the end the blues were easily outclassed on the scoreboard, 15-7. Still, the set has been fought. Balls, very suitable for working both without being too dead or too alive. Overall, a good and entertaining game, with the stands crowded and with a lot of fans that have moved from Berriatua.
Now, Goikoetxea and Aimar take up four points in Group B, just like Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal. These two pairs will move to the semi-finals, if Arbe and Lopez do not win for two sets to zero against Goiko and Aimar on February 28. In that case, the tanto-average would decide the two ranked pairs. But before, we have another life-to-death date. Two of the tournament's favorite doubles, Barandika-Lekerika and Olharan-Etcheto, "kale edo bale" in a single match. The loser stays out of the Winter Series. The expectation is high for next Monday. Jai Alai wave, going more.
RATING:
* Group A:
ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 7 points (2 games played)
BARANDIKA-LEKERIKA: 1 Point (1 Game Played)
WATCH-ETCHETO: 0 points (1 game played)
* Group B
GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR: 4 Points (1 Game Played)
BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 4 points (2 games played)
ARBE-LOPEZ: 0 points (1 game played)
Score: Win 2-0 (4 points), win 2-1 (3 points), lose 2-1 (1 points), lose 2-0 (0 points)
CALENDARIO "JAI ALAI WINTER SERIES"
* January 29, Saturday: ERKIAGA-ZABALA vs BARANDIKA-LEKERIKA: 12-15, 15-14, 5-3
* January 31, Monday: ARBE-LOPEZ vs BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 11-15, 9-15
* February 7, Monday: OLHARAN-ETCHETO vs ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 12-15, 8-15
* February 14, Monday: GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR vs BEASKOETXEa-ALDAZABAL: 15-12, 15-7
Starting at 10:00 in the morning, in the room of February 1, from the hand of the Real Football Society
* February 28, Monday: GOIKOTEXEA-AIMAR vs ARBE-LOPEZ (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 7th, Monday: SEMI-FINALS. 2nd Group A vs 1st Group B (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 14th, Monday: SEMI-FINALS. 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 20, Sunday: GRAND FINALE (12:00h, ETB 1)
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MATCH 3, FEBRUARY 7: GROUP A: ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA V JEAN OLHARAN-NICOLAS ETCHETO
ERKIAGA AND ZABALA RETURN TO THE SEMI-FINALS!!
*OLHARAN-ETCHETO vs ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 12-15, 8-15
* Incident: Full frontal, full outback in Gernika
1st Set: 2-0, 2-1, 5-1, 5-4, 6-4, 6-5, 7-5, 7-6, 8-6, 8-8, 9-8, 9-9, 10-9, 10-10, 10-11, 11-11, 12-11, 12-12, 12-15.
2nd set: 0-1, 1-1, 2-3, 2-5, 4-5, 4-9, 6-9, 6-13, 7-13, 7-14, 8-15.
The wave is moving forward. Today, mouth-to-mouth has caused hundreds of fans to approach Gernika's Jai Alai. No entry is charged. This is how it was decided to be the matches of the Jai Alai Winter Series on Monday, a working and unusual day for the puntist public, mostly young. The first Monday was a surprise. Almost 400 people came close. Double the people today. Full light. It's obvious that the wave exists and that it's going in a good direction. That the Jai Alai Winter Series has created a great expectation and that ETB coverage is giving the first push this sport needed. People are hungry for Jai Alai. Now, it's important that the tip basket knows how to surf this wave well. And in order not to fall it is essential to have your feet on the ground (or on the board). As important as that is to seize the moment.
Today, Jean Olharan and Nicolas Etcheto arrived at Hegoalde (South Basque Country--aka--Spain), to the frontlines where they like to play so much. They love the atmosphere we live here, so different to Iparralde (North Basque Country--aka--France), but above all, what they always look for is victory. They tried today, especially in the first set. The Colorado couple have started winning 5-1, loading the game back and preventing Ispaster's "Artist" Erkiaga from entering the game. At the beginning of the match they got it. They've been playing two-on-one, but Erkiaga has slowly started to enter the game. Not just that. "Bullet" Zabala, despite losing several balls, he also managed to dominate, showing the back to Etcheto and getting easier to the back wall. The Blues have tied on the eight card, Aritz has found more opportunities to hurt the bounce, there was more gap and after a tie on the 9, 10 and 11 cards, in 12 Olharan has missed an easy finish. The Blues are in the lead, 12-13 and went straight to the box 15.
The first game was entertaining, but not the second. Olharan couldn't find his place, he didn't get right with the plays and with the score against it, especially from half-set, the couple from "Iparralde" wanted but couldn't. They were still on the court but already mentally defeated. There have been too many mistakes on both sides. 8-15 in the second set. Best of the match, Erkiaga.
Erkiaga and Zabala, with seven points, are already in the semi-finals. On January 21, Barandika-Lekerika and Olharan-Etcheto will play the rankings. He who wins, passes, and he who loses, gets eliminated. Before next Monday, Group B pelotans, Goikoetxea and Aimar take action. Their opponents, Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal. Veteran forward duel in the cheerful frames, and the Aldazabal brothers front in the back.
** We refer to Olharan and Etcheto as a couple of Iparralde, knowing that Etcheto is from Bearn. Still, their paternal family is bajanavarra and Jean veranea in Lapurdi. With your permission, we grant you Basque nationality.
RATING:
* Group A:
ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 7 points (2 games played)
BARANDIKA-LEKERIKA: 1 Point (1 Game Played)
WATCH-ETCHETO: 0 points (1 game played)
* Group B
BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 4 points (1 game played)
ARBE-LOPEZ: 0 points (1 game played)
GOIKOETXEA-AIMAR: 0 points (still not played)
Score: Win 2-0 (4 points), win 2-1 (3 points), lose 2-1 (1 points), lose 2-0 (0 points)
CALENDARIO "JAI ALAI WINTER SERIES"
* January 29, Saturday: ERKIAGA-ZABALA vs BARANDIKA-LEKERIKA: 12-15, 15-14, 5-3
* January 31, Monday: ARBE-LOPEZ vs BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 11-15, 9-15
* February 7, Monday: OLHARAN-ETCHETO vs ERKIAGA-ZABALA: 12-15, 8-15
Starting at 22.30h, Real Football Society Hand Week
Starting at 10:00 in the morning, in the room of February 1, from the hand of the Real Football Society
* February 28, Monday: GOIKOTEXEA-AIMAR vs ARBE-LOPEZ (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 7th, Monday: SEMI-FINALS. 2nd Group A vs 1st Group B (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 14th, Monday: SEMI-FINALS. 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B (22:30h, ETB 1)
*March 20, Sunday: GRAND FINAL (ETB 1)
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FEBRUARY 3: DIEGO BEASKOETXEA ANNOUNCES HE MAY RETIRE AFTER THIS TOURNAMENT:
WITHDRAW OF BEASKOETXEA
Diego Beaskoetxea (Miami, 1981) has confirmed that this may be his last year as a professional peloton. After the first game, and the first victory in the Jai Alai Winter Series, this is how ETB journalist Olatz Foruria has claimed:
"I'm already in my mind. I think a new time for basket-point is coming and I think it will be my last year. I want to enjoy and at the moment, we have given the championship a good start."
Gernika striker has completed an excellent career where titles abound (World Championship, Jai Alai World Tour, Triple Crown at Dania, Grand Slam Gernika, Golden Glove, Internationalaux, etc).
His first match at the Jai Alai Winter Series has been outstanding. At 40 years old, he has given a ball recital at the Jai Alai de Gernika, his home, his front, winning with Aldazabal 11-15, 9-15 to Arbe and Lopez. Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal were the couples champions in 2015 and have given a good notice in the starting game of the new championship.
Diego wants to go to war, and retire with his head high.
In the meantime, let's enjoy Him!
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MATCH 2, JANUARY 31: GROUP B: DIEGO BEASKOETXEA-IBON ALDAZABAL V JOKIN ARBE-IMANOL LOPEZ
BEASKOETXEA IS REVENGE!!
ARBE-LOPEZ vs BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL: 11-15; 9-15
1st Set: 1-0, 1-1, 4-1, 4-2, 5-2, 5-4, 6-4, 6-6, 8-6, 8-9, 9-9, 9-11, 10-11, 10-13, 11-13, 11-15.
2ª set: 0-1, 1-1, 1-3, 2-3, 2-4, 3-4, 3-5, 6-5, 6-8, 8-8, 8-13, 9-15.
Double surprise in Gernika. First, the audience. Jai Alai Winter Series Monday functions are organised for its TV broadcast (ETB 1, 22:30), an important bet from the organization with the great support of the Basque public chain. There is no official call to go to the front. Winter Mondays aren't the best for it but they are to enjoy from home watching professional basket-tips. That's it, the Gernika front does not close its doors to anyone and mouth to mouth that more than 300 people come to Jai Alai today. A real surprise. Something is moving .
Second surprise: Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal win. It's not something that was ruled out, but the bets were inclined for Arbe and Lopez, winners of three tournaments this past year (Hondarribia, Markina-Xemein and Barcelona)..
The two were shot from the Individual, not so Beaskoetxea and Aldazabal. In addition, the veteran baller of Gernika does not come from playing many games, since in 2021 he has not counted for Iparralde's promoters.
Well Diego, 40 years old, has given an authentic basket-point recital at La Cathedral. Their game was spectacular. The game has started with a side to the txapa, and another finish to the wide, where Arbe expected him. But from there, the exhibition has begun. He's finished all the scorers he's thrown. His Zaguero Aldazabal has committed some errors at the start of the game with the ball still cold, but then he missed more and ended up playing a great game.
The set has gone quite evenly, Lopez has only made a mistake in the entire first game but Beaskoetxea has been a shark on the court and Arbe has not found his game.
In the second set there weren't as many finishes as in the first set. The only baller who hasn't hit an error has been Beaskoetxea. Arbe and Lopez have managed to even lead 6-5, but in a couple of spots the Blues have been ahead (6-8, 8-13) and in the final round the Colorados have already seen themselves without a chance of victory. Aldazabal, with his power, has been able to hold Lopez in the ball, even coming to dominate, and has helped Diego a lot, who has played a real game.
Today it has been seen to be a couple to keep in mind this winter season.
Next Monday, a big match is expected:
Group A: Olharan-Etcheto v Erkiaga-Zabala
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MATCH 1, JANUARY 29: GROUP A: ARITZ ERKIAGA-JON ZABALA V XABI BARANDIKA-UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA
A MAGICAL TAKEOFF!
ERKIAGA SALUTES THE NEW ERA OF JAI ALAI WITH A RECITAL
* Erkiaga-Zabala vs Barandika-Lekerika: 12-15, 15-14, 5-3
* The Jai Alai Winter Series begins with a great game and a great exhibition by Erkiaga
* Incredible atmosphere at La Catedral, with all tickets sold in advance
* The Jai Alai begins a new era in a dream night
* Tomorrow (22:30 ETB-1) ARBE-LOPEZ vs BEASKOETXEA-ALDAZABAL
Cold January night in Gernika. They have put heating in the pediment. A music band greets fans as they take their seats. The pediment is going to fill up, there have been sold outs, many have had to stay on the streets, but everything else is uncertain. It is the start of a new project, a great test for Jai Alai and there are many nerves for it. Two television "set-s" have been installed in the box area. Something moves. There are details that give clues to all the work that is behind.
The first match helps to warm up the atmosphere and to observe the game of the pelota players of the future. Johan Sorozabal (young striker from Biarritz, protagonist in the documentary Jai Alai Azken Hegaldia--Jai Alai: Last Flight) and Mikel Mancisidor win 14-15 and 10-15 against Markinarras and cousins Alex Goitia and Danel Mandiola. And the show begins.
The lights are turned off. A spotlight lights up on the field. They are the ETB commentators. They are broadcasting live. How things have changed! When (Xabier) Euzkitze (EITB's lead Basque Pelota anchor) and company finish, all eyes focus on the top of the stands. The Jai Alai World Tour pelotaris will be presented one by one. The public applauds them and cheers. Above all, to the four protagonists of the night. Aritz Erkiaga, Jon Zabala, Xabi Barandika and Unai Lekerika. It is no longer a novelty that the pediment is filled or that the public chants the names. But tonight, something is different. The illusion that has been created in recent weeks has been spreading from organizers to pelotaris, and from pelotaris to the public. It is the official start of the post-American era of Jai Alai. Now, the basket-tip, plays at home.
The game begins with two goals from Lekerika. The first cut. Erkiaga tries to get over him, he can't, and Unai doesn't forgive him for the mistake. The second does it from the right. 0-2 for the blues. The two Gernikarras play in unison, Leke gives a lot of security and from time to time he defines with his claws. But the work that Xabi does forward is magnificent. He has sight, and legs. Perhaps he is the ballplayer who hits the most difficult balls. He runs to the txoko to score balls very close and very low. He saves his defender from very complicated situations.
Meanwhile, Erkiaga does not succeed, but continues to risk. Aritz is consistent. His way of understanding Jai Alai is by finishing off and taking risks. The score is expanding, 0-4, 1-6, 3-9 for the blues. The impression is that Barandika-Lekerika is very close, but be careful. Ispaster's man is already refining his aim, and Zabala holds him behind. He shoots two walls (4-9), and two walls upside down (first he hits the front and then the left wall, 6-10). He brings out the side, and they tie at ten.
Looks like there's a comeback! But not. Barandika and Lekerika endured the pressure and took the lead again in a messy goal, where Zabala ended up rebounding forward and Erkiaga wanted to score a ball against the rebound wall (10-11). The Colorados tied at 11 with a close ball from Erkiaga. Impossible for Leke. In the following goal, Aritz scores a very difficult ball, shoots to two walls but Barandika arrives and ends the goal. 11-12. Barandika also opts for the two walls, but now the one that reaches the width and ends is Erkiaga. 12 same. The artist continues with his auctions, but Lekerika reaches the side of the txoko that Ispaster's has thrown and ends with a two walls. Leke's "crew", the north end, chants for his idol. Finish the Railing set. She shoots cut and although Aritz manages to place the basket, with the speed of the ball, it is impossible for him to stop. The first set is 12-15 for the blues.
The second set begins with a balanced score. Errors are shared. 2-3, 6-4, 6-6, 7-7. Even so, the match is being entertaining and from half a set, Aritz's game explodes. He enters everything and throws everything. He turns on his side and in that position he is able to do whatever he wants. Now inside, now through, now two walls. He is changing the plays and it is unpredictable to know what he is going to throw, not half a second before. The field is almost sixty meters long and to cover the range of Erkiaga's plays, more than two pelotaris are needed in front. The artist is at the height of the game and takes advantage of his game on the scoreboard. He opens the gap: 9-7, 13-10 and 14-11. But it is difficult for the Colorados to close the set. The fault, in part, of Barandika. First, he enters Erkiaga's serve and finishes off two walls. 14-12. Then the goal ends with a side drop. 14-13. There is a lot of tension and the public is not prepared for what they are going to see.
The 14 equals is to take it on video and make it viral. "Bullet" Zabala, with his powerful right hand, passes Lekerika over the top. The ball returns from the rebound wall and Leke manages to take it to good. There you have Aritz. It's all yours. He shoots cut .... but Barandika arrives! What a thrill! Xabi pulls back. It seems that the goal is going to end there, but Zabala jumps and scores! The ball reaches the frontis, Barandika enters and that's it... the goal ends and he puts 14 equal on the scoreboard with a perfect two walls. The public is in ecstasy. The gangs of one and the other pelotaris, singing their names. Fans stand up. Today most of them are young, but among them are, living a dream, historical figures of Jai Alai who are already approaching their eighties. Simply, they hallucinate with the game of those of now. But you have to finish the set, or the match. Depends on who does the scoring. If it is blue, victory for the Gernikarras. If it is red, to the tiebreaker. After the piece of so much that they have just played, Barandika has the bad luck to find the txapa. He has entered from the side, to finish off wide. It was so much, but... the gossip rang!
TO THE TIE-BREAK!
At this point, may the best man win. Jai Alai has already won, and a lot, with the great game that has been seen. Now, let him not be tarnished by the tiebreaker. sure not. To begin with, another delicacy from Aritz. From frame nine, he drops to the ground for a rebound...and he knocks down two walls on top of that! So much. 1-0. The second is also red. He bears the seal of Erkiaga. Cut with effect. 2-0. Ispaster's man did not hit all of them, and his mistake brought the Colorados closer (1-2) who managed to tie the next goal, dominating the rally (2-2). Barandika and Lekerika take the lead (2-3) despite Erkiaga carrying an incredible ball. The Colorados tied, with a cut by Erkiaga from box eight (3-3) and they put themselves in the absence of a goal after an error by Barandika on the rebound (3-4). It may be the last so much. The public stood up, applauding Erkiaga's serve. Applaud Zabala, for his effort and good work. Applaud Baran and Leke, they played a great game. And applaud the new initiative. We have Jai Alai in the winter, and the start has been incredible. The screaming is huge. The noise, deafening. Erkiaga serves, Lekerika takes a backhand, Zabala brings the ball closer, Leke can't get air and lets it pass. Barandika bounces backhand. Erkiaga threatens to enter, but leaves Zabala. Bullet backhand again, delays the ball, Leke goes forehand but can't pass Erkiaga. He finishes off inside, Leke arrives and from eight, delays the backhand ball. The blues dominate, Lekerika shoots cut but Erkiaga scores and starts commanding again. He needs two balls to choose the appropriate moment of the shot. It doesn't fail. From frame seven, near the left wall,
The pediment, full. The public, standing and applauding with raised arms.
What has been experienced today is difficult to forget. It is the perfect launch for a new time for our sport. From now on, the matches will be played on Mondays (22:30 ETB 1). It is important that this is seen in houses throughout the Basque Country. That the basket-point begins to be known in its place of origin. The sport itself already is. But that the people who are at home and do not have the opportunity to go to a fronton, that they see the level that exists today. Let him meet the pelotaris. To Erkiaga, to Barandika, to Zabala, to Lekerika, and to all the others. Let this spread.
It's a new beginning... but we're not starting from scratch. Things have changed, and a lot, in recent years. A decade ago this was unthinkable. See so many young people, watching basket-tip, chanting for their idols, uploading photos and stories to instagram, having a good time, buying tickets and becoming followers of Jai Alai. It is a job that has been done year after year. This is the result. But it is not only the professional field. The work of the clubs, since the Xistera initiative, has been to frame. Let's do the same exercise: who would have thought ten years ago that in the clubs there would be so many boys and girls playing basket?
The work is still immense. There are no Solomonic or miraculous solutions. The method is to work, work and work. And above all, do it with humility. Nights like this can lead us to deception and think that we are facing a highly successful sport. Yes, what has been achieved is a success, but it is a success, at the moment, very focused on specific areas of the Basque Country. The objective of the Jai Alai Winter Series is that with the help of television, this reaches more people and that more and more people enjoy this wonderful sport. ETB has made a total bet on the basket. It is impossible to do more promotion. It has been a brutal campaign. But thanks to this, many people have followed the match on television, and have been totally surprised. It is in the hands of all of us that this goes further.
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2022 International Tournaments
Hegoalde (South Basque Country-AKA Spain)
Jai Alai Winter Series--Gernika--January 19-March 20, 2022 (9 Full Match Videos)
Jai Alai World Tour
Donostia (San Sebastian) Grand Slam (May 14-June 11, 2022) (4 Full Match Videos)
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Iparralde (North Basque Country--AKA France)
Cesta Punta Pro Tour
Cesta All Star Donibane Lohizune (Saint-Jean-de-Luz) (April 19-28, 2022) (9 Full Match Videos)
Cesta Punta Summer League (Biarritz, Pau) (May 6-June 17, 2022) (6 Full Match Videos)
Grand Slam, Espoir (Group B) (June 22-August 25)
Donibane Lohizune (Saint-Jean-de-Luz) Grand Slam (Group A) (July 5-August 25) (4 Master and 1 SLAM) (15 Full Match Videos)
Gant d'Or (Biarritz) (July 5-August 30) (4 Master and 1 SLAM)
Pau Cup (July 15-September 2) (2 Master and 1 SLAM)
Grand Chistera (Biarritz) (July 8-August 25, every Tuesday--Outdoor Cesta Punta--3 player teams, 75 meter court, no helmets)
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Fronton Mexico (Mexico City)
Tourneo Betway (May 19-26) (14 Full Match Videos)
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Dania Jai Alai (Dania Beach Florida)
Battle at the Palace (April 1-10) 14 Full Match Videos)
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