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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
Markina-Xemien Grand Slam (June 12-July 16, 2022) (3 Full Match Videos)
Gernika (July 24-August 16) (5 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) (15 Full Match Videos) (4 Masters, 1 SLAM)
Gant d'Or (Biarritz) (July 6-August 24) (15 Full Match Videos) (4 Masters, 1 SLAM)
Pau Cup (July 15-September 2) (2 Masters, 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: ALL HEGOALDE GRAND SLAM FULL MATCH VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE ON DEMAND AT THE EITB JAI ALAI WORLD TOUR WEBSITE. (CLICK ON "JAI ALAI WORLD TOUR). FOR LIVE STREAMING, IF AVAILABLE, CLICK ON "EN DIRECTO" AND CHOOSE "EITB 1"
GERNIKA GRAND SLAM (JULY 24-AUGUST 16, 2022).
The third of the 2022 Hegoalde (South Basque Country--Spain) Summer Partido Grand Slams, sponsored by the Jai Alai World Tour (JAWT) was played at Gernika (1-Frontons.net) (2-City--Wikipedia) from July 24-August 16, 2022. There were 6 pairs divided into two groups (A and B). The League phase was single round robin in each group. The top two pairs moved on to the Semi Finals where Group A#1 played Group B#2 and Group B#1 played Group A#2. The two winners played in a Final for the championship.
Note: these official JAWT links have not been updated since the end of the Markina-Xemien Grand Slam. Hopefully, they will be updated soon. Another option for keeping up to date with this Tournament is Jai Alai News Facebook, which covers it extensively.
EITB began its video coverage of the Tournament with the final round of the League phase on August 6. Both semi-finals and the Final were streamed live and are available on demand.
League Play Team Point Scoring
2-0 Win: 4 Points
2-1 Win: 3 Points
1-2 Loss: 1 Point
0-2 Loss: 0 Points
Final League points determined the semi-finalists. Ties were broken by point differential.
The Teams:
GROUP A:
ARITZ ERKIAGA--ION IBARLUZEA (SUBSTITUTING FOR THE INJURED UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA
GROUP B:
Matches were in two sets to 15. A tie breaker, if necessary, was played to 5. Five over serves (pasa) were allowed and a 2nd serve allotted. Under serves were automatic faults. Carom serves wereallowed.
For non-televised matches, match scores, team cumulative records, league standings, and translated Jai Alai News Facebook match articles are provided. For televised matches, this information is also provided. In addition, there are links to the full match videos, as well as full line scores, and complete scoring (when provided by EITB). I will score the Final if EITB does not.
The post is set up in non-spoiler/spoiler fashion for the televised matches. If you don't want to know the outcome, stay above the horizontal line barrier below. All the spoiler information, including the same video links are below those lines.
Tournament Preview (Deia) (Castilian)
Tournament Preview (El Correo) (Castilian)
Feature article on Alex Hormaetxea (Deia) (Castilian)
Feature article on Ion Ibarluzea (Castilian) (Jai Alai News Facebook--for a Google English Translation see below match scores).
Injury News: Lekerikabeaskoa returns to action (Noticias de Gipuzkoa) (Castilian) (August 1, 2022)
NO SPOILERS
FOR SPOILERS (RESULTS, MATCH ARTICLES, PHOTOS, STATISTICS, AND THE FULL MATCH VIDEO LINKS TO BOTH SEMI-FINALS AND THE FINAL), SEE BELOW, UNDER THE HORIZONTAL LINE BARRIER
August 16
FINAL
??? v ???
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
August 14
Semi-Finals
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (Group B#1) v
ARITZ ERKIAGA--UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (Group A#2)
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (Group A#1) v
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (Group B#2)
FULL MATCH VIDEOS FOR BOTH MATCHES, IN THE ORDER GIVEN ABOVE
FOR SPOILERS, SEE BELOW THE BARRIER. ALL LEAGUE PHASE INFORMATION IS THERE. BELOW THAT INFORMATION ARE THE TRANSLATED MATCH ARTICLES.
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To follow the Tournament in chronological order, read from the bottom up.
August 16
FINAL
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (GROUP A#1) 2
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (Group B#1) 1
15-14, 10-15, 5-2 (30-31)
FULL MATCH VIDEO (EITB)
Brief Highlights (EITB
Match Article: (Baleike--Zumaia) (Basque)
Match Article: (Naiz) (Basque)
Match Article: (Deia) (Castilian)
Feature Article: Interview with Imanol Lopez (Berria) (Basque) (ADDED AUGUST 21)
Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the article are 21 photos.
30 Photos (Diario Vasco) (ADDED AUGUST 20, 2022)
Olharan--Lopez win the Gernika Grand Slam. This is Lopez 3rd Gernika Championship in the last 5 years. He won with Olharan in 2017 and with Diego Beaskoetxea in 2019.
Line Score (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
6-0; 6-1; 7-1; 7-2; 8-2 (Time Out); 8-7 (Lengthy delay while Lopez gets a new cesta); 9-7 (Olharan intercepts Goiko's serve and immediately kills the point); 9-8; 10-8; 10-9; 12-9; 12-13; 13-13; 13-14; 15-14 (Goiko throwing error after Lopez incredible save and winner seals the set).
+6; +5; +6; +5; +6; +1; +2; +1; +2; +1; +3; -1; =; -1; +1
3 equal scores, 2 lead changes
Set 2:
1-0; 1-1; 2-1; 2-3; 3-3; 3-5; 4-5; 4-7; 6-7; 6-8 (Time Out) 6-9; 7-9; 7-11; 8-11; 8-14; 10-14; 10-15
+1; =; +1; -1; =; -2; -1; -3; -1; -3; -2; -4; -3; -6; -4; -5
3 equal scores, 1 lead change
Tie Breaker:
2-0; 2-2; 3-2 (Time Out) 5-2
+2; =; +3
1 equal score, 0 lead changes
Tie Breaker scoring (mine, as EITB did not score the match--yours may be different)
Point #, Server, Balls in Play; Score (match winners always first); +/-;
SIIK=serve intercept, immediate kill; P=Pasa (1st serve over serve, 2nd serve allowed)
O=Olharan; L=Lopez; G=Goikoetxea; B=Basque
1. G; 10; 1-0; G-
2. O; 15; 2-0; O+
3. O; 4; 2-1; G+
4. G(P); 11; 2-2; G+
5. G; 10; 3-2; O+ (T.O.)
6. O; 5; 4-2; L+
7. O; 7; 5-2; G-
Olharan +2 -0; Lopez +1 -0
Goikoetxea +2 -2, 1P; Basque +0 -0
Total Match Scoring (mine, as EITB did not score the match--yours may be different) SIIK=serve intercept, immediate kill; P=Pasa (1st serve over serve, 2nd serve allowed)
Olharan +8 (3 SIIK),1P -4; Lopez +2 -6
Goikoetxea +17 (2 SIIK),3P -8; Basque +4 -12
Total Score: +31 -30 (.508)
Balls in Play: 504
Non error % (BIP - errors) / BIP: (504 -30) / 504 (.940)
BIP/points
0-4/22
5-9/19
10-14/11
15-19/4
20-24/2
24-29/2
32/1
Avg. BIP per Point: 8.3
Time of the Match: (total time, including set breaks, 3 Time Outs, and other miscellaneous stoppages): 88:55
Avg. Time per Point: 87.5 seconds
Total Match Scoring (Diario Vasco) via Pedro Jose C L Facebook.
A photo of the Diario Vasco match article that clearly shows match scoring. A bit of a humbling experience for me, but also shows exactly what I mean when I say "yours may be different."
Total Score:
Mine: +31 -30 (.508)
Diario Vasco: +37 -24 (.607)
Individual Scoring:
Mine:
Olharan +8 -4; Lopez +2 -6
Goikoetxea +17 -8; Basque +4 -12
DV
Olharan +9 -3; Lopez +5 -5
Goikoetxea +18 -7; Basque +5 -9
Balls in Play
Mine: 504.
DV: 494.
Non Error % (BIP - errors) / BIP: (504 - 30) / 504 (.940)
DV: (494 - 24) / 494 (.951)
Time of the match:
Mine: 88:55
DV: 90:30
(ADDED AUGUST 20, 2022)
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August 14
Semi-Finals
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (Group B#1) 2
ARITZ ERKIAGA--UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (Group A#2) 1
8-15, 15-9, 5-2 (28-26)
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (Group A#1) 2
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (Group B#2) 0
15-11, 15-7 (30-18)
FULL MATCH VIDEOS FOR BOTH MATCHES, IN THE ORDER GIVEN ABOVE
Semi-final Preview: Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the article are 2 promotional posters.
Match Article for both matches (Baleike--Zumaia) (Basque)
Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the article are 12 photos.
Semi-final 1
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (Group B#1) 2
ARITZ ERKIAGA--UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (Group A#2) 1
8-15, 15-9, 5-2 (28-26)
Line Score (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
0-2; 1-2; 1-3; 2-3; 2-4; 3-4; 3-5; 5-5; 5-7; 6-7; 6-12; 7-12; 7-13; 8-13; 8-15
-2; -1; -2; -1; -2; -1; -2; =; -2; -1; -6; -5; -6; -5; -7
1 equal score, 0 lead changes
Set 2:
0-1; 1-1; 1-4; 3-4; 3-5; 4-5; 5-5; 5-6; 6-6; 6-7; 10-7; 10-9; 15-9
-1; =; -3; -1; -2; -1; =; -1; =; -1; +3; +1; +6
4 equal scores, 1 lead change
Tie Breaker:
2-0; 2-1; 4-1; 4-2; 5-2
+2; +1; +3; +2; +3
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes
Scoring (EITB)
Goikoetxea +15 -5; Basque +6 -7
Erkiaga +11 -5; Lekerikabeaskoa +3 -2
Total Score: +35 -19 (.648)
Balls in Play: 445
Non-error % (BIP - errors) / BIP: (445 - 19) / 445 (.957)
Individual BIP:
Goikoetxea 111; NEP (111 - 5) / 111 (.955)
Basque 112; NEP (112 - 7) / 112 (.937)
Erkiaga 115; NEP (115 - 5) / 115 (.957)
Lekerikabeaskoa 107; NEP (107 - 2) / 107 (.981)
Avg. BIP per Point: 8.2
Time of the Match: (total time, including set breaks, Time Outs, and other miscellaneous stoppages): 85:08
Avg. Time per Point: 91.2 seconds
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Semi-final 2
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (Group A#1) 2
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (Group B#2) 0
15-11, 15-7 (30-18)
Line Score (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
3-0; 3-1; 5-1; 5-4; 7-4; 7-9; 8-9; 8-10; 14-10; 14-11; 15-11
+3; +2; +4; +1; +3; -2; -1; -2; +4; +3; +4
2 equal scores, 2 lead changes
Set 2:
0-1; 2-1; 2-2; 5-2; 5-3; 8-3; 8-4; 9-4; 9-5; 10-5; 10-7; 15-7
-1; +1; =; +3; +2; +5; +4; +5; +4; +5; +3; +8
2 equal scores; 1 lead change
Scoring (EITB)
Olharan +5 -6; Lopez +6 -4
Barandika +7 -12; Etcheto +2 -7
EITB's score adds to 30-19
Total Score: +20 -29 (.408). The reason this total score is used is because it is impossible, from the information EITB has provided, to determine whether the error was in the winners or errors column of one of the puntistas.
To reiterate, there were only 48 points scored in this match.
Balls in Play: 425
Non-error % (again based on EITB's erroneous score count) (BIP - errors) / BIP: (425 - 29) / 425 (.923)
Individual BIP:
Olharan 109; NEP (109 - 6) / 109 (.945)
Lopez 109; NEP (109 - 4) / 109 (.963)
Barandika 92; NEP (92 - 12) / 92 (.870)
Etcheto 115; NEP (115 - 7) / 115 (.939)
Avg. BIP per Point: 8.9 (based on 48 points)
Time of the Match: (total time, including set breaks, Time Outs, and other miscellaneous stoppages): 66:53
Avg. Time per Point (based on 48 points): 83.6 seconds
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FINAL GROUP STANDINGS
GROUP A CLASSIFICATION
1- OLHARAN-LOPEZ (2-0; 6 Pts.; +14)
2- ERKIAGA-LEKERIKABEASKOA (1-1; 4 Pts.; -4)
3- BEASKOETXEA-ZABALA (0-2; 2 Pts.; -10) -eliminated-
GROUP B CLASSIFICATION
1- GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE (1-1; 5 Pts.; +10)
2- BARANDIKA-ETCHETO (1-1; 4 Pts.; -3)
3- HORMAETXEA-AIMAR (1-1; 3 Pts.; -7) -eliminated-
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Day 3
August 6
Group B:
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (1-1; 4 Pts.; +14) 2
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (1-1; 0 Pts.; -14) 0
15-7, 15-9 (30-16)
G-B win Group B. B-E finish 2nd. Both advance to the Semi-Finals. Alex Hormaetxea-Aimar Aldazabal are eliminated.
Group A:
ARITZ ERKIAGA--UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (1-1, 3 Pts.; +6) 2
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA--JON ZABALA (0-2; 1 Pt.; -6) 1
11-15, 15-8; 5-2 (31-25)
A-E finish 2nd in Group A. Jean Olharan-Imanol Lopez finished 1st (2-0, 6 Pts.; +14). B-Z are eliminated.
FULL MATCH VIDEO FOR BOTH MATCHES (EITB) IN THE ORDER BELOW.
FORTHCOMING: THE ADDRESS NOW IS A TEMPORARY ADDRESS. I WILL CHANGE IT TO THE PERMANENT ADDRESS WHEN THEY DO.
Day 3 Preview (Deia) (Castilian)
Jai Alai News Facebook Day 3 Preview (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the article are 4 photos.
Match Articles for Both Matches
Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the article are 12 photos.
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Group B:
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (1-1; 4 Pts.; +14) 2
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (1-1; 0 Pts.; -14) 0
15-7, 15-9 (30-16)
Line Score (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
0-1; 3-1; 3-2; 4-2; 4-4; 5-4; 5-5; 7-5; 7-7; 8-7 (Time Out) 15-7
-1; +2; +1; +2; =; +1; =; +2; =; +8
4 equal scores, 1 lead change
Set 2:
5-0; 5-1; 7-1; 7-4; 8-4 (Time Out); 9-4; 9-6; 11-6; 11-7; 12-7; 12-8; 14-8; 14-9; 15-9
+5; +4; +6; +3; +5; +3; +5; +4; +5; +4; +6; +5; +6
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes
Scoring (EITB)
Goikoetxea +13 -1; Basque +6 -4
Barandika +8 -4; Etcheto +3 -7
Total Score: +30 -16 (.652)
Balls in Play: 378
Non-error %: (BIP - errors) / BIP: (378 - 16) / 378 (.958)
Individual BIP:
Goikoetxea 90; NEP (90 - 1) / 90 (.989)
Basque 104; NEP (104 - 4) / 104 (.962)
Barandika 81; NEP (81 - 4) / 81 (.951)
Etcheto 103; NEP (103 - 7) / 103 (.932)
Avg. BIP per Point: 8.2
Time of the Match: (total time, including set breaks, 2 Time Outs, and time spent mopping the floor due to humidity): 69:14
Avg. Time per Point: 90.3 seconds
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Group A:
ARITZ ERKIAGA--UNAI LEKERIKABEASKOA (1-1, 3 Pts.; +6) 2
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA--JON ZABALA (0-2; 1 Pt.; -6) 1
11-15, 15-8, 5-2 (31-25)
Line Score (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
0-1; 2-1; 2-2; 5-2; 5-3; 6-3; 6-5; 7-5; 7-8;(Time Out); 8-8; 9-8; 9-13; 10-13; 10-14; 11-14; 11-15
-1; +1; =; +3; +2; +3; +1; +2; -1; +1; -4; -3; -4; -3; -4
5 equal scores, 4 lead changes
Set 2:
0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 4-2; 4-3; 6-3; 6-4; 7-4 (long delay over a technical issue); 7-5; 8-5; 8-7; 12-7; 12-8; 15-8
-1; =; -1; +2; +1; +3; +2; +3; +2; +3; +1; +5; +4; +7
2 equal scores, 1 lead change
Tie Breaker:
1-0; 1-2; 5-2
+1; -1; +3
2 equal scores, 2 lead changes
Scoring (EITB)
Erkiaga +12 -2; Lekerikabeaskoa +5 -6
Beaskoetxea +12 -9; Zabala +5 -5
Total Score: +34 -22 (.515)
Balls in Play: 418
Non-error %: (BIP - errors) /BIP: (418 - 22) / 418 (.947)
Individual BIP:
Erkiaga 114; NEP (114 - 2) / 114 (.982)
Lekerikabeaskoa 98; NEP (98 - 6) / 98 (.939)
Beaskoetxea 94; NEP (94 - 9) / 94 (.904)
Zabala 112; NEP (112 - 5) / 112 (.955)
Avg. BIP per Point: 7.5
Time of the Match: (total time, including set breaks, 1 Time Out, 1 long stoppage due to a technical issue, a high number of ball changes, and time spent mopping the floor due to humidity): 87:10
(Source is time markers on the video, as EITB did not show the actual time because their statistical summary was interrupted by an interview with Beaskoetxea).
Avg. Time per Point: 93.4 seconds
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Day 2
July 30
Day 2 Preview (El Correo) (Castilian)
Group A:
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (2-0, 3 Pts.; +4) 2
DIEGO BEASKOETXEA--JON ZABALA (0-1, 1 Pt.; -4) 1
13-15, 15-11, 5-3 (33-29)
Olharan-Lopez advance to the Finals with a League final total of 7 points and a point differential of +14.
Next week's final League match between Erkiaga-Ibarluzea (1 point, -10) and Beakoetxea-Zabala (1 point, -4) will determine the 2nd semi-final slot in Group A.
Group B:
XABIER BARANDIKA--NICOLAS ETCHETO (1-0; 4 Pts.; +11) 2
ALEX HORMAETXEA--AIMAR ALDAZABAL (1-1, 0 Pts.; -11) 0
15-11, 15-8 (30-19)
By virtue of their 2-0 win and 4 League points, B-E have qualified for the Semi-finals. Next week's Final League match between B-E (4 points) and Goikoetxea-Basque (1 point), will only determine whether B-E advance as League winners or 2nd Place finishers. With H-A finished with their League Phase with 3 points, the final match will determine if it is H-A or G-B who advance.
Match article for both matches (El Correo) (Castilian)
Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the match article are 21 photos.
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Day 1
July 24
GROUP A:
JEAN OLHARAN--IMANOL LOPEZ (1-0; 3 Pts.; +10) 2
ARITZ ERKIAGA--ION IBARLUZEA (0-1; 1 Pt.; -10) 1
15-4, 10-15, 5-1 (30-20)
Partial Line Score (Jai Alai News) (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
3-1; 4-2; 11-3; 15-4
Set 2:
4-8; 6-10; 10-15
Tie Breaker: no line score available
GROUP B:
ALEX HORMAETXEA--AIMAR ALDAZABAL (1-0; 3 Pts.; +4) 2
INAKI GOIKOETXEA--THIBAULT BASQUE (0-1; 1 Pt.; -4) 1
15-12, 14-15, 5-3 (34-30)
Partial Line Score (Jai Alai News) (Match winners always listed 1st)
Set 1:
14-12; 15-12
Set 2:
4-2; 5-3; 5-5; 7-10; 10-10; 14-15
Tie Breaker:
4-1; 5-3
Match article for both matches (Deia) (Castilian)
Jai Alai News Facebook (Castilian) (for a Google English Translation see below match scores). Included with the match article are 18 photos.
9 Photos (Jai Alai News Facebook)
6 Photos (Jai Alai News Facebook)
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Jai Alai News Facebook Articles (Google English translations)
FINAL
Match article
OLHARAN AND LÓPEZ RETURN TO OLIMPO! (Olympus)
Markel Suarez
OLHARAN-LÓPEZ vs GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE: 15-14, 10-15, 5-2
* López adds his third crown in Gernika.
* After a five-year period, the striker from Pau and the defender from Zumaia win the Gernika Grand Slam together again.
* The final has experienced great moments and has been decided in the tiebreaker.
* The young Basque has endured well and Goikoetxea has given show.
Spectacular atmosphere in the Jai Alai Guerniqués. The pediment has been packed and dressed in white on Saint Roke's day. Another Sold Out for the organizers account. The profile of the public is much more varied during the matinèe than at night. Young people do not fail, but at noon more families, more children, more people from outside and also more elderly people join. Not even the Urdaibai rowers wanted to fail today. In the audience, handball player Ander Imaz, ex-soccer players such as Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora and Dani Aranzubia and Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu himself, who instead of going to the box, witnessed the game in the main stand as just another ball. Beside him, the Minister of Culture and Sports Bingen Zupiria. For live broadcasts, the entire EITB team,
The festival has had only one match, the final, but the match has not started very well. Olharan and López's strategy has been very clear. Eliminate Goiko from the equation and charge the game to the young Thibault Basque, who has been bombarded. This has been his first participation in a major tournament at the Cathedral and the Bidartarra has suffered from nerves at the start of the match. Such has been the case that the Colorados have advanced 6-0 and 7-1. The final painted sad and emotionless. Well, none of that. In both eight López has had to change tools. His basket was no longer enough. And by that time the Goikoetxea "show" had already begun. We have seen the Iñaki of the best times. Fresh and daring, he has entered the game, and with a Basque already established, the player from Zumai has given a recital of shots. The cut ones are effective but sometimes they know little. Goikoetxea finished the goal from the side to the inside (7-2), from a perfect two-wall from the right (8-4), from the center of the pitch tricking Olharan and finishing wide, risking a lot (8-5). Chopping and the right ball leaving his opponents "on the bridge" (8-6), or entering the air and throwing two walls to the side (8-7).
Olharan and López withstood the downpour and Pau's striker scored two very important goals. A two walls after a long rally (11-9) and a right rebound close to the wall (12-9). But the blue gale continued, this time with a cut from Thibault Basque. In total he has scored three goals with that play. The tie has come on card 12 and the blues have taken the lead for the first time at 12-13. There was another tie in minute 13 and there came a second cut from Basque, this time in a hurry, which placed them in the absence of so much (13-14). The wind was blowing blue but Goikoetxea was not successful in the final stretch. In a somewhat confusing situation, the Zumaia striker hits wide, Olharan finds the ball but doesn't finish either. Goiko has another chance throwing a txik-txak but, incredibly, López picks it up and in the end it is the defender from Zumai who wins the goal (14-14). Immediately after, Olharan takes off, Goikoetxea enters the air, throws back from the side but the ball goes up on the left wall. 15-14 for the Colorados. It was a great set with many and varied shots from Goikoetxea and a very exciting ending.
In the second game the blues have prevailed. After the tie at three and continuing with the trend that they brought from the first set, they have escaped little by little on the scoreboard. Basque was playing well and Goiko, not as intense as in the first game but he kept giving us his wonders. To highlight a rebound cut (6-8) and another impressive rebound to the width (8-14). The person in charge of finishing the set was Basque, with the third cut from him (10-15).
The public asked for a tiebreaker and so it has been. Goiko, aggressive, enters Olharan's first serve but hits the stick (1-0). Hard rally in which López prevails. This allows Olharan to catch a ball up front and Basque to have to advance his position on defense. Olharan guesses it and ends the goal by going over the defender from Bidartarra (2-0). Goikoetxea tied the set with two consecutive txik-txaks (2-2). In that moment, the Colorados have taken a step forward, surpassing the Blues in the rally. They finished 3-2 behind, 4-2 was a low setback for López and the final 5-2, a dominating rally by the Colorados in which Goikoetxea felt compelled to enter, delaying his position. However, the almost two meters tall of him,
Worked triumph of Olharan and López. They have suffered but have known how to remain serene in the most difficult moments. Pau's striker was the most consistent of the four, and López led this great victory from behind. It is the third Grand Slam for the defender from Zumaiarra. He has won two with Olharan (2017 and 2022) and one with Beaskoetxea (2019).
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS!
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Semi-finals
Match article for both matches
THE ZUMAIARRAS STARS SHINE IN THE SKY OF GERNIKA!
Markel Suarez
ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA vs. GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE: 15-8, 9-15, 2-5
1st set: 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2, 4-3, 5-3, 5-5, 7-5, 7-6, 12-6, 12-7 , 13-7, 13-8, 15-8.
2nd set: 1-0, 1-1, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 5-3, 5-4, 5-5, 6-5, 6-6, 7-6, 7-10 , 9-10, 9-15.
3rd set: 0-2, 1-2, 1-4, 2-5.
BARANDIKA-ETCHETO vs. OLHARAN-LÓPEZ: 11-15, 7-15
1st set: 0-3, 1-3, 1-5, 4-5, 4-7, 9-7, 9-8, 10-8, 10-14, 11-14, 11-15.
2nd set: 1-0, 1-2, 2-2, 2-5, 3-5, 3-8, 4-8, 4-9, 5-9, 5-10, 7-10, 7-15 .
Party night, great night of Jai Alai in Gernika. Special night for the Cathedral, packed with 1,800 faithful balls. The Sold Out sign has been hung at the box office. The Jai Alai is a beautiful theater and eight artists have performed on its rectangular stage. The ones that have shone the most have been precisely the four pelotaris who dressed in blue, guided and led by two stars that continue to emanate their own light. Iñaki Osa Goikoetxea and Imanol López.
The match that opened the festival was of a high level. Very good, entertaining and with many shots. In the first set, Basque dominated Lekerika with a dead ball and the Bidartarra scored several goals at the start of the match. Either throwing chula, or putting the gernikarra against the wall. But the colorados had controlled the encounter. Goikoetxea couldn't finish off and Erkiaga quite the opposite. He has brought out his repertoire of "sides". Well Lekerika in the defense, safe and putting difficult balls. He conveys a lot to the public. The Colorados felt comfortable with the ball alive and in the end, after 15-8 in the first set, the Blues had to change their strategy.
Seeing how the game was going, Goikoetxea and Basque have opted for the live. And if Aritz put on a show in the first set, "el Rey" Goikoetxea did it in the second. The player from Zumai has been taking on more and more prominence, he has opened more space with the rebound and has finished several goals in that position, shooting inside and into two walls. The live ball has become "very live" and Goiko has continued with his shots. He has put in half a dozen of two walls, he has also finished the goal with rest of serve and hitting the ball wide, making him bounce a lot to pass Erkiaga over. Beautiful! Goikoetxea has finished the set with an "ace". take out so much He has managed to put the ball on the rebound. Very good Bidartarra Thibault Basque, who in this Grand Slam has gone from less to more.
The two couples have played a great match but only one could win. Goikoetxea started with a cut (0-1) and a post from Aritz extended the lead for the Blues (0-2). The next goal has been red. Erkiaga's side to the inside, which Basque, after jumping, failed to score (1-2). The powerful Basque has made the third of the right-wing blues (1-3). The blues have been put in the absence of so much after Goiko reached a two walls of Erkiaga. The zumaiarra has not forgiven from the width (1-4). Erkiaga answers Goiko with the same coin. The Zumaiarra finished wide, Aritz arrived and finished well with two walls (2-4). In the end, a right shot by Basque from the eight that Lekerika failed to score (2-5), victory for the Colorados. Good and colorful party. The tactical change of the blues in the second set has turned the match around. In addition, Goiko's second consecutive victory over Erkiaga, on Friday at Hondarribia and on Saturday at Gernika-Lumo.
The second game has been a lot of rallying. Olharan and López started with some favoritism as they were the only undefeated couple to reach the semifinals. And of course, having a defender like Imanol. On the Gernika pitch his qualities are amplified. Although the semi-final started 1-5 for the Blues, Barandika and Etcheto had a good run and playing very well they were ahead 10-8. They were dominating, Xabi played boldly and they owned the rally. But some unforced errors have condemned them. The Blues have scored six goals in a row, they have put themselves ahead 10-14 and have closed the set with an 11-15.
The second set has been a monologue. A lot of rallying, little opportunity for shots, the occasional cut and the most remarkable, a good two walls that the great defender from Zumaia has scored. Along with Olharan, he has played a comfortable second game. From May until now, López's game has gone from less to more until reaching the current point. The player from Zumaia is playing at a high level and he is especially eager to triumph again in his beloved Jai Alai Gerniqués.
The festival on the day of San Roque, August 16, will feature a single match, the Grand Final of the 2022 Grand Slam. All the paper is sold. Those who do not have a ticket can follow it live through ETB 1 from twelve noon.
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Semi-Final Preview for both matches
EXPECTATION IN GERNIKA BEFORE VERY OPEN SEMIFINALS!
The Cathedral is preparing for two consecutive full.
Saturday, August 13 (9 pm), Gernika Jai Alai
ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA vs GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE
BARANDIKA-ETCHETO vs OLHARAN-LÓPEZ
There are no favourites. The four couples that have reached the semifinals have shown their lights, but also their shadows. Of note, we should mention Olharan and López, the winners of the first Grand Slam of Gernika back in 2017. They have been the only ones who have won both of their matches. Even so, there was a moment when they did not transmit good feelings. Having the match well on track, they lost the second set against Erkiaga and Ibarluzea and had to settle the accounts in the tiebreak. Even so, López's season is going from less to more and in Gernika he has shown a great level. He comes from winning in Biarritz with the young Johan Sorozabal, Goikoetxea and Irastorza.
The great attraction of tomorrow's first game is the duel between the two great forward figures, Aritz Erkiaga and Iñaki Osa Goikoetxea. The player from Zumaia is not having a great summer, but he showed the best version of him against Barandika and Etcheto, precisely in Gernika. And how else! It is no secret to say that the Blues will upload their game to Lekerika. Thibault Basque, in theory, should dominate him with a dead ball. That will be his strategy. But when the ball becomes live, Lekerika will take a breath and Erkiaga will go in for the kill. For something he is the best pelotari of the moment. In addition to the hits and mistakes, the key to the game will be on the ball. For the Colorados, the sooner it gets alive the better. The blues, on the other hand, will want to get a new one every 4-5 points. Erkiaga and Lekerika are the reigning Grand Slam champions.
In the second game, the strategy is not so clear. Compared to Etcheto, López is a more powerful player, but Ahetze's defender covers more of the field. Go ahead, it's very difficult to put both Barandika, but also Olharan. They have amazing legs. The player from Gernikarra has a wider range in the auction, but he faces a pelotari who stands out for something, it is for being daring. Barandika and Etcheto are "in their moment", despite the tough defeat against Goikoetxea and Basque. Olharan and López will draw from experience and tranquility on the pitch.
The pediment will be filled with more than 1,800 fans both tomorrow Saturday and in the final on Tuesday. ETB 1 will broadcast both games. The semifinals, starting at 11:30 p.m. and the final, live, at 12:00 noon.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
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Day 3 Match article for both matches
GOIKOETXEA IS REBORN TO GET INTO THE SEMIFINALS!
by Markel Suarez
GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE vs BARANDIKA-ETCHETO: 15-7, 15-9
ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA vs. BEASKOETXEA-ZABALA: 11-15, 15-8, 5-2
Third day of the league at the Jai Alai de Gernika. 1,400 spectators in the stands, slightly more than the previous day. The pediment will be filled in the semifinals and final. Today, two couples have been eliminated: Beaskoetxea-Zabala in group A and Hormaetxea-Aimar in group B. The semifinal matches have been as follows:
OLHARAN-LÓPEZ (1º A) vs BARANDIKA-ETCHETO (2º B)
GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE (1º B) vs ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA (2º A)
To date, it has not been a good summer for Iñaki Osa Goikoetxea. The zumaiarra, above all, lacked confidence. That which is achieved when several successes are added in a row. Or an important one. Today's has been. Few trusted the couple formed by Goiko and Basque. They didn't play well against Hormaetxea and Aimar, and furthermore, Barandika and Etcheto are at their best. Well, having all the indicators against him, Goikoetxea has gone out on the field and has shown, once again, who he is. The game started very evenly but the reds Goiko and Basque got a little higher at the first break. 8-7. After the break, the Blues haven't scored any more. Very well Goiko, dominating yes but also finishing off, well cut or precious two walls from the right.
The second game has started in the same way that the first one has ended. Initial 5-0 for the Colorados. Later, it was enough to hold that margin on the scoreboard until finishing 15-9. Good game also from Thibault Basque, coming to dominate Etcheto. In addition to winning and qualifying, they go to the semifinals as group winners and gain confidence as a couple. Something that they lacked in the first game. Today was Goiko's best match in quite some time. We have seen the result on the field and on the scoreboard.
GROUP B CLASSIFICATION
1- GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE (5 points)
2- BARANDIKA-ETCHETO (4 points)
3- HORMAETXEA-AIMAR (3 points) - eliminated-
In the second game, the two couples played for elimination. They were bound to win. Erkiaga and Lekerika, from Colorado, started winning 5-2 and 6-3, but the first set was for the Blues. Beaskoetxea, inspired and game, has shown a high level. The same Zabala, perfectly fulfilling his work. Score a lot, and hit the ball well. Having Lekerika as close to the rebound wall. The blues have tied the set in cardboard seven and have reached the break ahead. 7-8. There have been two other draws on cards eight and nine, but the blues have taken the lead and have won the set deservedly. 11-15.
Things did not look good for the Ispaster striker and the Gernika defender. But suddenly, the artist has appeared. Aritz Erkiaga, who else? Go two sets. The second and the third. He has taken the reins of the match, has entered the game and has destabilized his rivals. The last two goals of the second set have been impressive. He throws Zabala right from the thirteenth box, crosses the ball, but Aritz gets air in the seven and a half and shoots a perfect side to two walls. 14-8. In the next goal, Lekerika leaves him "out" and in a rebound position, Erkiaga shoots a two-wall from box eight. Incredible. They are not so many, they are works of art.
The third set has been the continuation of the second. Erkiaga with his game, side here and rebound there, 5-2 and victory for the Colorados. Beaskoetxea and Zabala are eliminated.
GROUP A CLASSIFICATION
1- OLHARAN-LOPEZ (6 points)
2- ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA (4 points)
3- BEASKOETXEA-ZABALA (2 points) - eliminated-
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Day 3 Preview
THREE COUPLES PLAY IT TOMORROW IN GERNIKA
August 6, Gernika Jai Alai (9:00pm)
Third league day/Grand Slam
BARANDIKA-ETCHETO vs GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE
ERKIAGA-LEKERIKA vs BEASKOETXEA-ZAVALA
Three couples play it tomorrow at the Jai Alai in Gernika. Goikoetxea-Basque, Erkiaga-Lekerika and Beaskoetxea-Zabala can only win. If they succeed, they will advance to the semifinals of the Grand Slam. If they lose, it will be their second loss and it will mean elimination. A fourth couple formed by Hormaetxea and Aimar will follow the results closely. They need Barandika and Etcheto to win to advance in the competition.
GROUP A CLASSIFICATION:
1- Olharan-López (6 points, 2 games played)
2- Beaskoetxea-Zabala (1 point, 1game played)
3- Erkiaga-Lekerika (1 point, 1 game played)
* Beaskoetxea and Zabala have a better scoring average than Erkiaga and Lekerika.
* On the first day Lekerika did not play due to injury. Ibarluzea replaced him.
GROUP B CLASSIFICATION
1- Barandika-Etcheto (4 points, 1 game played)
2- Hormaetxea-Aimar (3 points, 2 games played)
3- Goikoetxea-Basque (1 point, 1 game played)
Lekerika returns home
Another incentive for tomorrow is Lekerika's return to La Catedral. The Gernikarra and Erkiaga are the current Grand Slam champions and defend the title. In the case of Aritz, he also won the successful Winter Series last winter on the same course. Lekerika fell in the league. At a time when Etcheto is standing out behind, and the still "marshal" López, Unai Lekerika wants to show that he is among the best in that position. On Tuesday he reappeared in Donibane-Lohitzune and little by little he will return to his level. In tomorrow's crucial game, support from the public will not be lacking.
During the week the matches are concentrated in Iparralde and among tomorrow's protagonists, more than one have won important victories. Thibault Basque has won the Biarritz Gold Glove Master 3 together with Ithurria. The final was played on Wednesday in an almost full Euskal Jai. Yesterday end of Master 3 but in Donibane Lohitzune. Frontón filled with two thousand fans, practically full. Victory for Erkiaga and Lòpez, 7-15, 15-4, 2-5 against Olharan and Etcheto.
Today (9:00 p.m.) Erkiaga and Basque have a match in Pau against Olharan-Irastorza. Semifinal of the second Master. In Hondarribia (8:00 p.m.), Hormaetxea and Aimar will face Arbe and Lekue. The winner will get the ticket to later participate in the Grand Slam. Meanwhile, pediments such as Hossegor or Donibane Garazi are giving opportunity to pelotaris who are not stars but who are trying to get their head in the big tournaments. Good luck to everyone!
For now, an important date tomorrow in Gernika where two couples will be eliminated from the Grand Slam.
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Day 2: Match article for both matches
BARANDIKA DEMONSTRATION IN GERNIKA!
OLHARAN-LÓPEZ vs BEASKOETXEA-ZABALA: 13-15, 15-11, 5-3
HORMAETXEA-AIMAR vs BARANDIKA-ETCHETO: 11-15, 8-15
* Olharan-López and Barandika-Etcheto, qualified for the semifinals
Excellent atmosphere at the Jai Alai in Gernika. Still the second day of the Grand Slam and about 1,300 fans filling the stands. Impressive entry and impressive match by Xabi Barandika. The Gernikarra has given a class or, if you like, a Jai Alai tutorial. He has done everything right. First, taking away Hormaetxea's serve, even serving a couple of times wide. Safe and strong in the rally, perfect in defense and spectacular in the shot, Barandika has completed a round match. What he has not shot! Sideways to the inside and two walls, left from both sides, rebounds from the right, shots entering Alex's serve... it has been spectacular. In the second set, he has finished off three straight sides on points 11, 12 and 13. First to two walls, then from inside to inside, and the third from wide to inside. All three are perfect.
Barandika is playing a lot, but it's not from now. Last summer he already made a qualitative leap. In the Winter he played well but was unlucky at the key moment. And already in the summer, he has won the Donostia Grand Slam (with Etcheto), I have played a great role in the Markina-Xemein (reaching the semis with Del Rio) and he has started with a great match in Gernika-Lumo. Another obvious thing to note. Nicolas Etcheto, Ahetze's defender, is also playing tremendously. Last Thursday it was he who pulled off the victory in Donibane-Lohitzune, together with Olharan, eliminating Beaskoetxea and Irastorza in straight sets. The victory was the work of Nicolas. A pelotari to whom the Gernika company gave him the confidence he needed after a very tough year, calling him to play the Winter Series. Since then, he has taken off like a rocket.
Barandika and Etcheto are, at this precise moment, one of the best pelota players in their respective positions. Hormaetxea and Aimar have not played a bad game, but they have not had the facilities that Goikoetxea and Basque did give them. Victory by two sets to nil, 11-15 and 8-15 for Xabi and Nicolas who are placed with 4 points in the standings. That means they are already in the semi-finals even though they have only played one match. Hormaetxea and Aimar have 3 points and Goikoetxea and Basque one. Next Saturday, Goiko and Basque need to beat Barandika and Etcheto to qualify for the semis. If not, Hormaetxea and Aimar will go on to the next round.
* Olharan and López, also classified
Jean Olharan and Imanol López are also classified, having won both games in the league. 2-1 last week against Erkiaga and Ibarluzea, and 2-1 last night against Beaskoetxea and Zabala. They pass as group leaders with 6 points.
The game has been tough. The first goals told us that the game could be long and it has been. They have played almost two hours. The first set has been for Beaskoetxea and Zabala. The striker from Gernikarra has played the best game of the summer and in the first set, in addition to rallying, he has finished the goal very well half a dozen times. Impressive two walls from the right at 12-12 to finish somewhat very hard. Diego has had problems with the basket when the cue broke. He had to change tools while "Remen" fixed the problem. Zabala has also played a complete game and Olharan and López have had to work hard to get the victory. The first set was for the blues Diego and Jon 13-15 but the reds won the second game 15-11 propitiating the tiebreaker. In the end, 5-3 in the third for Jean Dominique and Imanol. The zumaiarra has worked hard and has been the one who has finished the game with a right cross.
Next Saturday we will know who will go to the semifinals as second in group A. There will be no math to do. Just win the match and qualify. Beaskoetxea-Zabala against Erkiaga and... the substitute Ibarluzea or perhaps the recovered Lekerika. We will know in the next few days.
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Day 1: Match article for both matches
YOU HAVE TO SUFFER TO WIN!
GOIKOETXEA-BASQUE vs HORMAETXEA-AIMAR: 12-15, 15-14, 3-5
ERKIAGA-IBARLUZEA vs. OLHARAN-LÓPEZ: 4-15, 15-10, 1-5
There are no longer runners or bettors, at least in the top basket. Favorites are now singled out in social media polls. This time the chair of Instagram had opted for Goikoetxea and Basque (64% against 36%) and Olharan-López (55% against 45%). In the first, they have failed. In the second, almost. In both games the winners have had to take out the game in the tiebreaker.
Very good atmosphere on the opening day of the Gernika Grand Slam. Local public, tourists, and balls from neighboring areas have given a good appearance to the fronton, which this year has numbered tickets. More than 700 souls have cheered the stands of Jai Alai.
In the first match, Alex Hormaetxea and Aimar Aldazabal managed to get Goikokoetxea out of the game in the first set. With live ball, Basque, Bidarte's striker, has not played comfortably and his striker did not see how to turn the situation around. At the rear, Aimar Aldazabal has been more confident, making few mistakes. Hormaetxea, true to his striker style, has shone in the happy frames and has received applause for his spectacular baskets. The set has been blue, but the scoreboard indicated that with a small change, the match could be for the Colorados. 12-15 the first set. Iñaki's wide forehand was beautiful for 12-14 but Aimar closed the game with a backhand shot from behind.
The second set has been tough. Hormaetxea and Aimar started with a couple of goals ahead, 2-4 and 3-5, but the Colorados tied 5-5. The live ball has been broken and that has favored Goikoetxea and Basque. The lapurtarra defender has settled on the field and there the possibilities for Goiko have increased. They took a three-goal lead, 10-7, but the Blues, good in defense and successful in attack, tied again at 10-10. At that moment, the toughest and most tense goals of the match were experienced, but Goikoetxea and Basque did not let the set escape them, even if it was by the minimum. 15-14.
In the tiebreaker, a large initial advantage for the Biscayans, who started 1-4. The two forwards, already with the regulation raisins spent, had no margin to err in the serve. A couple of red goals have brought some hope for Goikoetxea and Basque, but it has not been enough. 3-5 and start with victory for Alex Hormaetxea and Aimar Aldazabal in the Grand Slam of Gernika.
In the second game, Olharan and López started as very favorites against Erkiaga and the Genrika debutant, Ibarluzea. Substitute for Lekerika in this Grand Slam. The Colorados, today Colorados, knew that victory was very difficult. Aritz's plan has been for his defender to pick up pace and, above all, confidence. The first set has not been valid for that. Olharan and López have swept. They have started 1-3, 2-4 and 3-11 ahead. Ibarluzea was still taking to the field, and Aritz, taking risks on the balls that came. They were frank or difficult. The set has finished 4-15 for the blues.
In the second set Ibarluzea has already settled down and Aritz has shone. He has taken the reins of the match and has offered a recital of play and auctions. With his flank and rebound, they have put themselves four goals ahead, 8-4, and have maintained the margin until the end of the set. Well Ibarluzea, delaying the backhand ball, but also placing the forehand ball. Getting close to the wall, even biting from top to bottom, as in both 10-6. The one from Markina-Xemein has been in charge of ending the set with a setback. 15-10.
In the tiebreaker, the blues have not been confused and have made their superiority clear 1-5.
Even so, it is not a bad result for Erkiaga and Ibarluzea. They have lost 2-1 but they will have their options to enter the semifinals, in two weeks, against Beaskoetxea-Zabala. The same for Goikoetxea and Basque. A week of rest, to then play the classification against Barandika and Etcheto.
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Tournament Preview
Feature article on Ion Ibarluzea
RELAPSE OF LEKERIKA IN BIARRITZ
OPPORTUNITY FOR IBARLUZEA IN THE CATHEDRAL!
Unai Lekerikabeaskoea had a relapse yesterday in Biarritz. It was his second game after a month away from the courts. Therefore, the winning couple of the previous edition, Erkiaga-Lekerika, will not be able to retain the 2021 title, but Aritz will fight to get it together with Ion Ibarluzea.
For the Markina-Xemein defender, 2022 is being a year of opportunities. He is 25 years old, 26 to turn, and with very clear ideas, he has adequately combined his university studies with the sport of basket-point. Graduated in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability and the Environment, Ibarluzea has not stopped fighting to get to the top of the Jai Alai game. He has spent years with the best in the amateur field, until this spring, Mexico has opened a nice opportunity for him.
In the month of May, Ludovic Laduche and Ion Ibarluzea were proclaimed champions of the Frontón México tournament. A competition without the great figures of the basket-point, but a success in terms of response from the Mexican public. Ibarluzea took advantage of the Mexican showcase, won the tournament and returned to Euskadi with a dream come true: to play and win in the world's largest fronton court, a historic Jai Alai temple, and to do so before an Aztec crowd devoted to the basket. An unforgettable experience for a lifetime.
But upon returning home, other doors have opened for Ibarluzea. Precisely, Lekerika's injury in Donostia left an empty spot in Markina-Xemein. The organization opted for a local pelotari and Ibarluzea fulfilled the role. He learned a lot in those two Grand Slam matches that he played alongside Arbe. On the professional field, the opponents have another level, but the biggest difference is in the speed of the ball. That has to be done and it takes time. Arbe and Ibarluzea lost both of their matches, but managed to put pressure on nothing more and nothing less than Olharan and Etcheto. The couple from Iparralde won, but after suffering a lot and in the tiebreaker.
Frontón México, University of Markina, and now, The Cathedral of Gernika. Go three frontons and three opportunities for Ibarluzea. As his surname indicates, the same blood runs through the veins of this pelota player as that of the mythical "Tarzan" Ibarluzea. But the Markinarra, far from living in a dream, is a calm and settled boy with his feet on the ground.
In addition to enjoying a good time, his technical qualities are also appropriate for the 57-metre-long pitch from Gernikarra. Ibarluzea is a tall and slender pelota player, and he extends his backhand very well, as can be seen in the photo.
The player from Markin has two games guaranteed in Gernika-Lumo. Playing with Aritz at La Catedral is another unforgettable experience for a lifetime. And maybe this third chance will lead to a fourth. He makes his way by walking. Otherwise, our environmental scientist will follow his professional path just the same, but without stopping fighting to achieve new dreams in the basket-point.
ZORTE ON ION!
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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
Markina-Xemien Grand Slam (June 12-July 16, 2022) (3 Full Match Videos)
Gernika (July 24-August 16)
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) (15 Full Match Videos) (4 Masters, 1 SLAM)
Gant d'Or (Biarritz) (July 6-August 24) (15 Full Match Videos) (4 Masters, 1 SLAM)
Pau Cup (July 15-September 2) (2 Masters, 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)
