2020 Campeonato Individual de Pala (February 1-February 28, 2020).
Index to full match videos:
February 28
FINAL
Index to full match videos:
February 28
FINAL
L1-1 Ibargarai (Z) (1-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at 1:12:10)
(10-8, 10-4, 10-7) (30-19)
3rd Place Match
L2-5 Fusto (D) #3 (3-1) 3
L1-4 Necol (D) #4 (1-2) 2 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-5, 6-10, 10-5; 9-10; 10-3) (45-33)
February 21
Semi-Finals
======================
3rd Place Match
L2-5 Fusto (D) #3 (3-1) 3
L1-4 Necol (D) #4 (1-2) 2 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-5, 6-10, 10-5; 9-10; 10-3) (45-33)
February 21
Semi-Finals
L2-5 Fusto (D) (2-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-4, 10-6, 10-5) (30-15)
L1-4 Necol (D) (1-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at: 55:15)
(10-3, 10-9, 10-9) (30-21)
February 14
Quarter-Finals
L2-5 Fusto (D) (2-0) 3
L2-3 Ibai Perez (Z) (seeded in) 1 (EITB: match begins at 0:00 on the video)
(10-8, 4-10, 10-6, 10-6) (34-30)
(10-8, 4-10, 10-6, 10-6) (34-30)
======================
This was the premier InnPala singles tournament. It was a seeded ladder single elimination tournament. All matches were played on the 38 meter (125 feet long) court at Bizkaia, Bilbo (Bilbao) (1) (2) (opened in 2011, capacity 2,935).
All 9 InnPala professionals participated (note that Ander Landeta's, delantero (front) contract was not renewed--see the Mundo Deportivo Tournament preview below).
Innpala Roster
Innpala Roster
Ladder 1: 9-Ibarguren (Delantero--front); 8-Garate (D-Zaguero--back); 6-Urrutia (Z); 4-Necol (D); 1-Ibargarai (Z and defending Champion)
Ladder 2: 7-Gordon (Z); 5-Fusto (D); 3-Ibai Perez (Z); 2-Gaubeka (D and defending runner-up).
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This post consists of 3 parts:
A. Tournament Statistical Summary.
B. Match by Match accounting (links to 6 full match videos, statistics, links to match articles, analysis
I am experimenting with counting "saves," a variable that perhaps gives a bit of insight into the defensive side of BP sports. I define a save as an excellent play that keeps the point alive. It is, obviously, a subjective judgment, and yours may be different from mine. Saves include going on the apron (running or diving), going into the left wall, backs running far into the front court, fronts covering the back, direct off the front wall returns of very high shots, and any successful rebotes, among others. As a subjective experiment in judgment, I hope to get those with much more knowledge than I interested in keeping the statistic. A save is like art. It may be difficult to define, but one "knows it when one sees it." I will also provide the number of saves as a percentage of the total balls in play.
C. Historical section. Previous Tournament winners back to 1995--links to selected match articles, non-championship match scores, videos.
Note: Source for all avaialble statistical information (except saves) is the EITB video scoring. Saves are my own judgments. Yours may be different.
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A. Tournament statistical summary
Individual:
Key: Player; Position (D=delantero--front) Z=Zaguero--back);
Number of matches played; match wins-losses; joko (set) wins-losses); Match points + -; Net + -
Number of matches played; match wins-losses; joko (set) wins-losses); Match points + -; Net + -
Individual points: + -; Saves; Balls in play
Players capitalized=seeded players :G=Semi-final; I=Semi-final; N=Quarter-final; IP=Quarter-final;
+44(.733)-16(.267); 70 saves; 283 balls in play
Non-error%(BIP-errors)/BIP: .943; Save%(S/BIP): .247
IBARGARAI(Z)(Sub-campion)2...1-1...3-3...49-51....-2
+31(.620)-19(.380); 63 s; 284 bip
Non-error%: .933; Save %: .222
(3 matches) +64(.696)-28(.304); 105 s 409 bip
Non-error%: .932; Save%: .257
NECOL (D) (4TH).........3....1-2...5-6.....84-91..-7
+59(.656)-31(.344); 126 s; 380 bip
Non-error% .918; Save% .332
Urrutia (Z).............2....1-1...3-3.....36-37..-1
(1 match) +9(.500)-9(.500); 23 s (8 rebote); 104 bip
Non-error% .913; Save% .221
Garate (Z)..............2....1-1...3-4.....50-59..-9
No individual data available
IBAI PEREZ(Z)...........1....0-1...1-3.....30-34..-4
+20(.625)-12(.375; 48 s (8 rebote); 176 bip
Non-error% .932; Save%: .273
Gordon (Z)..............1....0-1...2-3.....35-37..-2
No individual data available
Ibarguren (D)...........1....0-1...1-3.....29-33..-4
No individual data available
Best individual score: Fusto +34(,810) -8(.190); Gaubeka +19(.792) -5(.208)
Highest number of saves in a match: Necol 49; Ibai Perez 48
There were 5 matches that featured Delanteros (fronts) v Zagueros (backs). Note that backs serve in this modality
D 4-1; Z 1-4
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Tournament:
9 matches
Data below is from the 6 EITB match videos. No other scoring has been found.
Total scoring for the Tournament (+-winners; -=errors)
+222(.667) -111(.333)
Average +37 -19
Balls in play: 1816
Average per match: 303
Non-error % for the Tournament: (BIP-errors)/BIP:
.939
Saves: 410
Average: 68
Save %: (Saves/BIP):
.226
Total match time: 413:29 (6 hours, 53 minutes, 29 seconds)
Average time per match: 69 minutes
Average balls per point: 5.45
Average time per point: 1 minute 15 seconds
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Dan Necol video: training session with Pablo Fusto (February 3, 2019, Dan Necol Facebook). This is an almost 1 hour training session video at Bizkaia that provides a fascinating "inside" view of the amount of training that goes into preparing for a tournament match. Merci beaucoup Dan and Gracias Pablo. (Note: Necol is in the yellow striped shirt).
Note: as with any Tournament covered in a single blog post, start from the bottom and read up for to follow the tournament in chronological order.
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February 28
FINAL
Match preview video (EITB); comments from Ibargarai and Gaubeka
Match preview (Mundo Deportivo)
Judges: Juan Carlos Garrofe and Ager Perez
J1: 1-0
(Match begins with 3 winners and 3 errors by Ibargarai)1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-3 3-4; 4-4; 4-5; 5-5; 6-5; 6-6; (Ibargarai makes a remarkable rebote/apron save and later wins the point with a two wall) 6-7; 7-7; 7-8; (Gaubeka a left wall one foot on the wall backhand save that turns into a winner to the outside); 8-8; (Gaubeka drives Ibargarai to the 8 line near the left wall, where he is unable to return the shot) 9-8; (tough call, either a Gaubeka service ace or an Ibargarai error on the return) 10-8
7 equal scores, 4 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (2 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +6 -1; Ibargarai +7 -4
Balls in play: 85
Gaubeka 26 on the bounce, 17 in the air=43; Ibargarai: 25b 17a=42
+++
J2: 2-0
1-0; 1-3; 2-3; (longest and best played point of the match, 33 bip, 14 saves--9 by Gaubeka, who wins the point with a left wall shot) 3-3; 3-4; (5 Gaubeka winners, a dejada (drop shot), 2 aces, and an overhead pass) 10-4
2 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (6 points)
Scoring
Gaubeka +6 -1; Ibargarai +3 -4
Balls in play: 77
Gaubeka 32b 9a=41; Ibargarai 28b 8a=36
+++
J3: 3-0
1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-4; (an 18 ball point, with 5 saves--4 by Ibargarai, won by a Gaubeka two wall shot) 4-4; 6-4; 6-5; 8-5; 8-7; (Gaubeka backhand left wall winner and two wall winner) 10-7
3 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (3 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +7 -3; Ibargarai +4 -3
Balls in play: 122
Gaubeka 36b 26a=62; Ibargarai 43b 17a=60
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Match Scoring:
Gaubeka +19(including 4 two wall winners) -5
Ibargarai +14(2 two walls) -11
Total match scoring: +33(.673) -16(.327)
Balls in play: 284
Gaubeka 94b 52a=146; Ibargarai 96b 42a=138
Non-error % (BIP-errors)/BIP .944
Saves: 65
Gaubeka 36 (including 2 rebotes--rebound off the back wall, 1 apron, and 2 left wall one foot on the wall; 4 save winners) most saves on a point: 9 (Joko 2, point 6); multiple saves on 7 points
Ibargarai 29 (3 rebotes, 5 apron; 1 save winner) most saves on a point: 5 (J 2, p6); multiple saves on 6 points
Save % (saves/BIP) .229
Time of the match: 47:11
Average balls per point: 5.8
Average time per point: 0:58
3rd Place Match
February 14
Jornada (Day) 3
FINAL
Match preview video (EITB); comments from Ibargarai and Gaubeka
Match preview (Mundo Deportivo)
Judges: Juan Carlos Garrofe and Ager Perez
L1-1 Ibargarai (Z) (1-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at 1:12:10)
(10-8, 10-4, 10-7) (30-19) (D 4-1, Z 1-4)
Botillero (coach--councilor)
Gaubeka: Imanol Ibanez (1-Mundo Deportivo) (2-InnPala)
Condensed "talking" joko (set) linescores (match winners always listed 1st)
Botillero (coach--councilor)
Gaubeka: Imanol Ibanez (1-Mundo Deportivo) (2-InnPala)
Condensed "talking" joko (set) linescores (match winners always listed 1st)
J1: 1-0
(Match begins with 3 winners and 3 errors by Ibargarai)1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-3 3-4; 4-4; 4-5; 5-5; 6-5; 6-6; (Ibargarai makes a remarkable rebote/apron save and later wins the point with a two wall) 6-7; 7-7; 7-8; (Gaubeka a left wall one foot on the wall backhand save that turns into a winner to the outside); 8-8; (Gaubeka drives Ibargarai to the 8 line near the left wall, where he is unable to return the shot) 9-8; (tough call, either a Gaubeka service ace or an Ibargarai error on the return) 10-8
7 equal scores, 4 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (2 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +6 -1; Ibargarai +7 -4
Balls in play: 85
Gaubeka 26 on the bounce, 17 in the air=43; Ibargarai: 25b 17a=42
+++
J2: 2-0
1-0; 1-3; 2-3; (longest and best played point of the match, 33 bip, 14 saves--9 by Gaubeka, who wins the point with a left wall shot) 3-3; 3-4; (5 Gaubeka winners, a dejada (drop shot), 2 aces, and an overhead pass) 10-4
2 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (6 points)
Scoring
Gaubeka +6 -1; Ibargarai +3 -4
Balls in play: 77
Gaubeka 32b 9a=41; Ibargarai 28b 8a=36
+++
J3: 3-0
1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-4; (an 18 ball point, with 5 saves--4 by Ibargarai, won by a Gaubeka two wall shot) 4-4; 6-4; 6-5; 8-5; 8-7; (Gaubeka backhand left wall winner and two wall winner) 10-7
3 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (3 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +7 -3; Ibargarai +4 -3
Balls in play: 122
Gaubeka 36b 26a=62; Ibargarai 43b 17a=60
+++
Match Scoring:
Gaubeka +19(including 4 two wall winners) -5
Ibargarai +14(2 two walls) -11
Total match scoring: +33(.673) -16(.327)
Balls in play: 284
Gaubeka 94b 52a=146; Ibargarai 96b 42a=138
Non-error % (BIP-errors)/BIP .944
Saves: 65
Gaubeka 36 (including 2 rebotes--rebound off the back wall, 1 apron, and 2 left wall one foot on the wall; 4 save winners) most saves on a point: 9 (Joko 2, point 6); multiple saves on 7 points
Ibargarai 29 (3 rebotes, 5 apron; 1 save winner) most saves on a point: 5 (J 2, p6); multiple saves on 6 points
Save % (saves/BIP) .229
Time of the match: 47:11
Average balls per point: 5.8
Average time per point: 0:58
Match article for both matches (Deia)
Match article for both matches (Noticias de Narvarra) (this is a copy of the Deia article.
If you look at the bottom of the post and link to last year's Tournament, you will see that the same 2 players contested it. It was a fantastic match that was won in 5 jokos by Ibargarai. It took 90 points (of a possible 95) for Ibargarai to win. The defeat was a bitter pill for Estaban Gaubeka to swallow. At age 41 at the time, how many more chances might he get to match Pablo Hernan "Fusto's" 6 Tournament wins?
Well, Gaubeka got his chance and this time, he played a magnificent match, beating Ibargarai in all facets of the game to equal Fusto. Both of them still trail the legendary Oscar Insausti, who finished his career with 7. But don't count Gaubeka, forever young at 42, out of contention (for that matter, don't count Fusto out either, after the awesome 3rd place match he played--see below).
Last year Ibargarai executed an effective strategy--keep Gaubeka as far from the front wall as possible. This year that didn't happen. Gaubeka was everywhere, putting together a sparkling net of +14 (+19 -5). In the course of the match, he never trailed by more than 2 points. He was in control from start to finish. More often than not, he took the match to Ibargarai and made him play back. And more than anything else, he won crucial points when he had to.
In the 1st joko, down 7-8, Gaubeka equalized the score with a left-wall backhand (he is the only player on the roster who consistently uses a backhand against the left wall) save that he hit deep to the outside. It landed inches inside the line. He followed that by driving Ibargarai back and placing a perfect left wall winner. Ibargarai was at the 8 line. Shortly after, Gaubeka won the joko 10-8.
The 2nd joko, and, in my opinion, match turned on the 6th point. It was a 33 ball point, the longest point I have seen in singles Pala Larga (scroll to the Pala "monster points"), which included 14 saves (the most I have seen in any BP point I've watched), 9 by Gaubeka. Gaubeka ended the point with a left wall shot to equalize the joko at 3. Ibargarai immediately (4 balls) took the lead back with an overhead passing shot, a statement of intent on his part. However Gaubeka followed that with 7 consecutive points to close out the joko. Of the 7, 5 were Gaubeka winners.
To his credit Ibargari, who might have collapsed in the 3rd joko, played hard and well, for the most part. He came back from 8-5 to 8-7 on a Gaubeka error and a well placed two wall winner that negated 4 Gaubeka saves on the point. But from there, Gaubeka turned another backhand left wall save into a left wall winner and then closed out the match with a brilliant two wall winner.
It seemed no one was happier for Gaubeka than Xabier Ibargarai. Instead of the usual congratualatory handshake or hug, he picked up Gaubeka in a bear hug, and then they both embraced. The crowd gave a long and loud ovation. Gaubeka was all smiles until the Txapela was put on his head during the closing ceremony. Then, for a moment, he seemed overwhelmed with emotion. Or perhaps he was gazing into the future, when he will have his chance to catch Oscar Insausti.
Oh, and one more thing. Just as last year, Gaubeka's "botillero" (see above) was Imanol Ibanez. Imanol was behind the back wall, urging Gaubeka on after almost before almost every serve. And sometimes, just as last year, he aided Gaubeka with "tough love." The interaction was fascinating, even if it seemed at times that the consultations were as much about giving Gaubeka a bit of a breather as giving advice. They both speak Castilian. I don't. I wish I did.
Match article for both matches (Noticias de Narvarra) (this is a copy of the Deia article.
If you look at the bottom of the post and link to last year's Tournament, you will see that the same 2 players contested it. It was a fantastic match that was won in 5 jokos by Ibargarai. It took 90 points (of a possible 95) for Ibargarai to win. The defeat was a bitter pill for Estaban Gaubeka to swallow. At age 41 at the time, how many more chances might he get to match Pablo Hernan "Fusto's" 6 Tournament wins?
Well, Gaubeka got his chance and this time, he played a magnificent match, beating Ibargarai in all facets of the game to equal Fusto. Both of them still trail the legendary Oscar Insausti, who finished his career with 7. But don't count Gaubeka, forever young at 42, out of contention (for that matter, don't count Fusto out either, after the awesome 3rd place match he played--see below).
Last year Ibargarai executed an effective strategy--keep Gaubeka as far from the front wall as possible. This year that didn't happen. Gaubeka was everywhere, putting together a sparkling net of +14 (+19 -5). In the course of the match, he never trailed by more than 2 points. He was in control from start to finish. More often than not, he took the match to Ibargarai and made him play back. And more than anything else, he won crucial points when he had to.
In the 1st joko, down 7-8, Gaubeka equalized the score with a left-wall backhand (he is the only player on the roster who consistently uses a backhand against the left wall) save that he hit deep to the outside. It landed inches inside the line. He followed that by driving Ibargarai back and placing a perfect left wall winner. Ibargarai was at the 8 line. Shortly after, Gaubeka won the joko 10-8.
The 2nd joko, and, in my opinion, match turned on the 6th point. It was a 33 ball point, the longest point I have seen in singles Pala Larga (scroll to the Pala "monster points"), which included 14 saves (the most I have seen in any BP point I've watched), 9 by Gaubeka. Gaubeka ended the point with a left wall shot to equalize the joko at 3. Ibargarai immediately (4 balls) took the lead back with an overhead passing shot, a statement of intent on his part. However Gaubeka followed that with 7 consecutive points to close out the joko. Of the 7, 5 were Gaubeka winners.
To his credit Ibargari, who might have collapsed in the 3rd joko, played hard and well, for the most part. He came back from 8-5 to 8-7 on a Gaubeka error and a well placed two wall winner that negated 4 Gaubeka saves on the point. But from there, Gaubeka turned another backhand left wall save into a left wall winner and then closed out the match with a brilliant two wall winner.
It seemed no one was happier for Gaubeka than Xabier Ibargarai. Instead of the usual congratualatory handshake or hug, he picked up Gaubeka in a bear hug, and then they both embraced. The crowd gave a long and loud ovation. Gaubeka was all smiles until the Txapela was put on his head during the closing ceremony. Then, for a moment, he seemed overwhelmed with emotion. Or perhaps he was gazing into the future, when he will have his chance to catch Oscar Insausti.
Oh, and one more thing. Just as last year, Gaubeka's "botillero" (see above) was Imanol Ibanez. Imanol was behind the back wall, urging Gaubeka on after almost before almost every serve. And sometimes, just as last year, he aided Gaubeka with "tough love." The interaction was fascinating, even if it seemed at times that the consultations were as much about giving Gaubeka a bit of a breather as giving advice. They both speak Castilian. I don't. I wish I did.
===============
3rd Place Match
L2-5 Fusto (D) #3 (3-1) 3
L1-4 Necol (D) #4 (1-2) 2 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-5, 6-10, 10-5; 9-10; 10-3) (45-33)
Condensed "talking"joko (set) linescores (Match winners always listed 1st)
J1: 1-0
(Fusto 4 winners, Necol 2 errors) 6-0; 6-1; 7-1; 7-4; 8-4; 8-5; 10-5
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (6 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -0; Necol +5 -3
Balls in play: 63
Fusto 24 (on the bounce) 10(in the air)=34; Necol 18b 11a=29
+++
J2: 1-1
(4 Necol winners) 0-4; 2-4; 2-8; (Necol makes the save of the match an apron/netting save, but Fusto easily wins the point with a left pass) 3-8; 4-8; 4-9; 6-9; 6-10
Scoring:
Fusto +5 -2; Necol +8 -1
Balls in play: 80
Fusto 24b 14a=38; Necol 25b 17a=42
+++
J3: 2-1
2-0: (15 ball point, 6 saves, 3 by each player, Fusto wins the point with a two wall shot) 3-0; 4-0; 4-1; 5-1; 5-3; 7-3; 7-4; 8-4; 8-5; 10-5
0 equal scores; 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (5 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -1; Necol +4 -3
Balls in play: 91
Fusto 32b 16a=48; Necol 25b 18a=43
+++
J4: 2-2
0-1; 1-1; 1-3; (Fusto 4 winners, including 2 two walls and a chic-chac--pelota that bounces and hits the back wall too low to be returned) 6-3; 6-6; (Necol service fault--1 of only 2 in this match, a great improvement over last week's 5) 7-6; 7-7; 9-7; (Fusto 3 errors) 9-10
4 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (3 points)
Scoring
Fusto +7 -5; Necol +5 -2
Balls in play: 122
Fusto 42b 19a=61; Necol 40b 21a=61
+++
J5: 3-2
1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-2; (Fusto 5 winners: chic chac, high outside two wall, ace, two deep left wall shots and a shorter left wall shot) 9-2; 9-3; 10-3
1 equal score, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (7 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +8 -0; Necol +3 -2
Balls in play: 57
Fusto 25b 6a=31; Necol 15b 11a=26
+++
Match scoring:
Fusto +34 -8;
Necol +25 -11 (Note: EITB had this 25 -10 but missed, I think, the last point of the match, a Necol fault)
Total match scoring: +59(.756) -19(.244)
Balls in play: 413
Fusto 147b 65a=212; Necol 123b 78a 201
Non-error % (BIP-errors)/BIP: .954
Saves: 87
Fusto 38 (including 11 rebotes and 1 apron); 3 save winners: most saves on a point: 3 (J3 P3); multiple saves on 5 points
Necol 49 (including 2 rebotes and 6 apron); 5 save winners; most saves on a point: 3 (J2 P6, J3 P3; J4 P5); multiple saves on 11 points.
Save % (saves/BIP) .211
Time of the match: 69:59
Average balls per point: 5.29
Average time per point: 0:54
This match was the "curtain raiser," that preceded the championship match. 3rd place matches can be anti-climaxes, which is why they are often scheduled for after the championship match. And both Fusto and Necol were coming off disappointing "shutout" losses in the Semi-finals. The question was, would they "mail this match in?"
They played a 5 joko match that lasted almost 70 minutes and 413 balls in play (both of them hit the pelota over 200 times). It was a fascinating study in power Pala (Necol broke a bat in this match. Fusto broke 4 during the Tournament). Fusto is the best player of his generation, a big front who can smash the pelota with left hand or right. Dan Necol, an up and coming star who may become the best player of his generation, loves to smash the pelota. His serve is a work in progress (of course he only needs a serve for this Tournament), as is his left hand. He prefers to hit the left wall to give himself room for his right hand. When his right hand is working, it is devastating.
These two smashed the pelota all over the concha, but on this occasion, Fusto was more accurate, his 3 joko wins yielding +7 -0, +7 -1, and +8 -0. His overall net was +26 (+34 -8). If not for a slip at the end of the 4th joko (3 errors that turned and 8-7 lead into a 10-9 loss), he would have won a lot earlier.
As for Necol, while his Tournament came to a disappointing end, he still fashioned the longest winning streak in all of BP for 2020 so far (that I am aware of) with 11 and has a championship to his name. My criteria for saves may be on the liberal side, but I counted 49 of them by him, including 11 points where he made more than one save. He has great range on the apron and the ability to convert saves into winners. He has the ability to smash the pelota through opponents' implements, a la Javier Urriza (Remonte), Inaki Goikoetxea (Cesta Punta), and Agusti Waltary (Main Nue). He is a work in progress who continues to progress. He has no "ceiling", in my opinion.
+++++
February 21
L1-4 Necol (D) #4 (1-2) 2 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-5, 6-10, 10-5; 9-10; 10-3) (45-33)
Condensed "talking"joko (set) linescores (Match winners always listed 1st)
J1: 1-0
(Fusto 4 winners, Necol 2 errors) 6-0; 6-1; 7-1; 7-4; 8-4; 8-5; 10-5
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (6 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -0; Necol +5 -3
Balls in play: 63
Fusto 24 (on the bounce) 10(in the air)=34; Necol 18b 11a=29
+++
J2: 1-1
(4 Necol winners) 0-4; 2-4; 2-8; (Necol makes the save of the match an apron/netting save, but Fusto easily wins the point with a left pass) 3-8; 4-8; 4-9; 6-9; 6-10
Scoring:
Fusto +5 -2; Necol +8 -1
Balls in play: 80
Fusto 24b 14a=38; Necol 25b 17a=42
+++
J3: 2-1
2-0: (15 ball point, 6 saves, 3 by each player, Fusto wins the point with a two wall shot) 3-0; 4-0; 4-1; 5-1; 5-3; 7-3; 7-4; 8-4; 8-5; 10-5
0 equal scores; 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (5 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -1; Necol +4 -3
Balls in play: 91
Fusto 32b 16a=48; Necol 25b 18a=43
+++
J4: 2-2
0-1; 1-1; 1-3; (Fusto 4 winners, including 2 two walls and a chic-chac--pelota that bounces and hits the back wall too low to be returned) 6-3; 6-6; (Necol service fault--1 of only 2 in this match, a great improvement over last week's 5) 7-6; 7-7; 9-7; (Fusto 3 errors) 9-10
4 equal scores, 2 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (3 points)
Scoring
Fusto +7 -5; Necol +5 -2
Balls in play: 122
Fusto 42b 19a=61; Necol 40b 21a=61
+++
J5: 3-2
1-0; 1-1; 3-1; 3-2; (Fusto 5 winners: chic chac, high outside two wall, ace, two deep left wall shots and a shorter left wall shot) 9-2; 9-3; 10-3
1 equal score, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Fusto (7 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +8 -0; Necol +3 -2
Balls in play: 57
Fusto 25b 6a=31; Necol 15b 11a=26
+++
Match scoring:
Fusto +34 -8;
Necol +25 -11 (Note: EITB had this 25 -10 but missed, I think, the last point of the match, a Necol fault)
Total match scoring: +59(.756) -19(.244)
Balls in play: 413
Fusto 147b 65a=212; Necol 123b 78a 201
Non-error % (BIP-errors)/BIP: .954
Saves: 87
Fusto 38 (including 11 rebotes and 1 apron); 3 save winners: most saves on a point: 3 (J3 P3); multiple saves on 5 points
Necol 49 (including 2 rebotes and 6 apron); 5 save winners; most saves on a point: 3 (J2 P6, J3 P3; J4 P5); multiple saves on 11 points.
Save % (saves/BIP) .211
Time of the match: 69:59
Average balls per point: 5.29
Average time per point: 0:54
This match was the "curtain raiser," that preceded the championship match. 3rd place matches can be anti-climaxes, which is why they are often scheduled for after the championship match. And both Fusto and Necol were coming off disappointing "shutout" losses in the Semi-finals. The question was, would they "mail this match in?"
They played a 5 joko match that lasted almost 70 minutes and 413 balls in play (both of them hit the pelota over 200 times). It was a fascinating study in power Pala (Necol broke a bat in this match. Fusto broke 4 during the Tournament). Fusto is the best player of his generation, a big front who can smash the pelota with left hand or right. Dan Necol, an up and coming star who may become the best player of his generation, loves to smash the pelota. His serve is a work in progress (of course he only needs a serve for this Tournament), as is his left hand. He prefers to hit the left wall to give himself room for his right hand. When his right hand is working, it is devastating.
These two smashed the pelota all over the concha, but on this occasion, Fusto was more accurate, his 3 joko wins yielding +7 -0, +7 -1, and +8 -0. His overall net was +26 (+34 -8). If not for a slip at the end of the 4th joko (3 errors that turned and 8-7 lead into a 10-9 loss), he would have won a lot earlier.
As for Necol, while his Tournament came to a disappointing end, he still fashioned the longest winning streak in all of BP for 2020 so far (that I am aware of) with 11 and has a championship to his name. My criteria for saves may be on the liberal side, but I counted 49 of them by him, including 11 points where he made more than one save. He has great range on the apron and the ability to convert saves into winners. He has the ability to smash the pelota through opponents' implements, a la Javier Urriza (Remonte), Inaki Goikoetxea (Cesta Punta), and Agusti Waltary (Main Nue). He is a work in progress who continues to progress. He has no "ceiling", in my opinion.
+++++
February 21
Jornada (4)
Semi-Finals
For the 2nd consecutive season, Ibargarai will face Gaubeka in the Final on February 28. Each showed that their seeding was correct by shutting out their opponents 3-0 in the semi-finals. For Necol, the loss stopped his overall winning streak at 11. He got off to a poor start, but played much better and lost the 2nd and 3rd sets by the minimum. Gaubeka had no such problems, beating Fusto easily. Ibargarai will be looking for his 2nd championship in his 4th Final, while Gaubeka will be aiming for his his 6th championship (which would tie him with Fusto) in his 9th Final. The legendary Oscar Insausti has won the most championships with 7.
Judges: Ager Perez and Juan Carlos Garrofe
Semi-Finals
For the 2nd consecutive season, Ibargarai will face Gaubeka in the Final on February 28. Each showed that their seeding was correct by shutting out their opponents 3-0 in the semi-finals. For Necol, the loss stopped his overall winning streak at 11. He got off to a poor start, but played much better and lost the 2nd and 3rd sets by the minimum. Gaubeka had no such problems, beating Fusto easily. Ibargarai will be looking for his 2nd championship in his 4th Final, while Gaubeka will be aiming for his his 6th championship (which would tie him with Fusto) in his 9th Final. The legendary Oscar Insausti has won the most championships with 7.
Judges: Ager Perez and Juan Carlos Garrofe
L2-5 Fusto (D) (2-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at 0:00)
(10-4, 10-6, 10-5) (30-15)
Botillero (coach--councilor)
Gaubeka: Imanol Ibanez (1-(Deia) (2-Mundo Deportivo) (3-InnPala)
L1-1 Ibargarai (Z) (seeded in) 3Botillero (coach--councilor)
Gaubeka: Imanol Ibanez (1-(Deia) (2-Mundo Deportivo) (3-InnPala)
Condensed "talking" joko linescores (winner always listed 1st)
J1: 1-0
1-0; 1-1; 3-1; (Fusto makes the save of the match, an apron-rebote, to no avail) 4-1; 7-1; 7-2; (Gaubeka a left wall winner that beats Fusto at the 8 line); 8-2; (Fusto a nice chic-chac--pelota that bounces off the back wall so low it can't be returned); 8-3; (Gaubeka keeps Fusto back and forces an error from the 7 line) 9-3; 9-4; (Gaubeka wins with a dejada that Fusto can't get to, a dejada that he saved by doing a one foot wall climb); 10-4
1 equal score, 0 lead changes, biggest lead, Gaubeka (6 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +5 -2; Fusto +2 -5
Balls in play: 72
Gaubeka 31 (on the bounce) 8 (in the air)=39; Fusto 22b 11a=33
+++
J2: 2-0
(Fusto service fault) 1-0; (Gaubeka service ace) 2-0; (Fusto a left pass ending a 16 ball point that featured 5 saves) 2-1; (Fusto a left pass) 2-2; (Gaubeka takes the serve and returns a two wall winner) 3-2; 5-2 (Gaubeka an overhead pass on a rebote save) 6-2; (Gaubeka 2 wall) 7-2; 7-4; 8-4; (Gaubeka a reverse to the outside) 9-4; 9-6; (Gaubeka 2 wall after a Fusto rebote apron save) 10-6
1 equal score, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (5 points)
1 equal score, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (5 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +7 -3; Fusto +3 -3
Balls in play: 75
Gaubeka 29b 11a=40; Fusto 23b 12a=35
++++
J3: 3-0
(Fusto fault) 1-0; (Fusto's best point of the match, a dejada (soft drop shot) winner after he made 5 saves, including an apron save and a long run for a save on the dejada) 1-1; (Gaubeka a left wall winner to end a 16 ball point that featured 5 saves) 2-1; (Gaubeka left wall winner) 3-1; (Gaubeka ace) 4-1; (Gaubeka left wall winner) 5-1; Gaubeka left wall winner on a point that featured 4 saves, including an apron save by both players--Gaubeka's winning the point) 6-1; (Fusto 2 wall) 6-2; (Fusto outside winner) 6-3; (Gaubeka error on 2 wall-too low) 6-4; (Fusto left wall winner) 6-5; (Gaubeka a left pass) 7-5; (Gaubeka a 2 wall reverse winner to the outside) 8-5; Gaubeka 2 wall after Fusto breaks his bat) 9-5; (Gaubeka finishes things in style with a two wall winner while plastered against the left wall from the 5 line) 10-5.
This was as dominating a joko as you will see for a long time. Masterful.
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (5 points)
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, biggest lead: Gaubeka (5 points)
Scoring:
Gaubeka +8 -2 Fusto +3 -2 (EITB scoring was slightly different than mine :) )
Balls in play: 112
Gaubeka 36b 22a=58; Fusto 42b 12a=54
+++
Match scoring:
Gaubeka +20 -7; Fusto +8 -10
Total match scoring: +28 (.622) -17 (.378)
Balls in play: 259
Gaubeka 96b 41a=137; Fusto 87-35=123
Non-error % (BIP-errors)/BIP: .934
Saves: 65
Gaubeka 34 (1 rebote, 2 apron) 4 save winners
Fusto 31 (3 rebotes, 6 apron) 1 save winner
Save % (saves/BIP): .251
Time of the match: 48:45
Average balls per point: 5.76
Average time per point: 1:05
Gaubeka dominated the proceedings. He never trailed in the match. He got better as the match proceeded (+5 -2, +7 -3, +8 -2). And, if you want to see Gaubeka at his best, look at the 3rd Joko, where he dominated completely and Fusto's body language showed that this wasn't his day.
L1-4 Necol (D) (1-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at: 55:15)
(10-3, 10-9, 10-9) (30-21) (D 3-1; Z 1-3)
Condensed "talking" joko linescores" (match winner always listed 1st"
J1: 1-0
0-1; 4-1; (Ibargarai drives Necol past the 8 line in a futile attempt to return a left wall winner) 5-1; (Necol breaks his bat) 6-1; 6-2; 7-2 (Ibargarai smashes one high off the back wall that Necol cannot return) 8-2; 8-3; (2 Necol errors) 10-3
1 equal score, 1 lead change, biggest lead: Ibargarai (7 points)
Scoring:
Ibargarai +7 -1; Necol +2 -2
Balls in play: 77
Ibargarai 23 (on the bounce) 18 (in the air)=41; Necol 20b 16a=36
+++
J2: 2-0
0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; (Ibargarai error, Necol two wall; cortada--low sidearm smash) 2-5; 3-5; 3-6; 4-6; 4-8; 5-8; 5-9; (Necol error) 6-9; (4 Ibargarai winners--overhead pass, service ace, drives Necol back to the 8 for a left wall winner he can't return, left wall) 10-9
Scoring:
Ibargarai +6 -3; Necol +6 -4
Balls in play: 92
Ibargarai 27b 19a=46; Necol 27b 19a=46
+++
J3: 3-0
0-1; 2-1; 2-2; 4-2; 4-3; 5-3; 5-4; (Necol service fault 1) 6-4; 6-6; (Necol fault 2) 7-6; 7-8; (Necol fault 3) 8-8; 8-9; (Necol fault 4) 9-9; (Ibargarai two wall) 10-9
Scoring
Ibargarai +4 -4; Necol +5 -6
Balls in play: 118
Ibargarai 38b 21a=59; Necol 38b 21a=59
+++
Match scoring:
Ibargarai +17 -8; Necol +13 -13(including 5 service faults)
Total match scoring: +30(.588) -21(.412)
Balls in play: 287
Ibargarai: 88b 58a=146; Necol 85b 56a=141
Non error % (BIP -errors)/BIP: .927
Saves: 62
Ibargarai 34; most saves on a point: 5 (Joko 3 Point 2) 8 points with multiple saves
Necol 28; most saves on a point: 3 (J2 P2); 7 points with multiple saves
Save % (saves/BIP): .216
Time of the match: 43:56
Average balls per point: 5.6
Average time per point: 0:52
Ibargarai went into the match with a clear strategy: keep Necol as far away from the front wall as possible, and make him play with his left hand as much as possible. 11 of Ibargarai's 17 winners were either left wall, deep left wall (4, including 1 past the 7 line, 2 past the 8 line, and 1 at the 10 line--all of which Necol got to but could not return), or shots off the back wall. 3 of these types of shots were at the heart of Ibargarai's comeback 10-9 win (he was behind 5-9) in the 2nd Joko. In the 3rd and final joko, Necol faulted 4 times at 5-4--6-4, 6-6--7-6, 7-8--8-8, and 8-9--9-9. In the end, Necol was at joko point in 2 of the 3 jokos in a devastating loss. But as Ibargarai showed last year, he knows how to execute strategies that work to his advantage agains delantero (front) opponents (he did this to Gaubeka in last year's Final).
+++++
Condensed "talking" joko linescores" (match winner always listed 1st"
J1: 1-0
0-1; 4-1; (Ibargarai drives Necol past the 8 line in a futile attempt to return a left wall winner) 5-1; (Necol breaks his bat) 6-1; 6-2; 7-2 (Ibargarai smashes one high off the back wall that Necol cannot return) 8-2; 8-3; (2 Necol errors) 10-3
1 equal score, 1 lead change, biggest lead: Ibargarai (7 points)
Scoring:
Ibargarai +7 -1; Necol +2 -2
Balls in play: 77
Ibargarai 23 (on the bounce) 18 (in the air)=41; Necol 20b 16a=36
+++
J2: 2-0
0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; (Ibargarai error, Necol two wall; cortada--low sidearm smash) 2-5; 3-5; 3-6; 4-6; 4-8; 5-8; 5-9; (Necol error) 6-9; (4 Ibargarai winners--overhead pass, service ace, drives Necol back to the 8 for a left wall winner he can't return, left wall) 10-9
Scoring:
Ibargarai +6 -3; Necol +6 -4
Balls in play: 92
Ibargarai 27b 19a=46; Necol 27b 19a=46
+++
J3: 3-0
0-1; 2-1; 2-2; 4-2; 4-3; 5-3; 5-4; (Necol service fault 1) 6-4; 6-6; (Necol fault 2) 7-6; 7-8; (Necol fault 3) 8-8; 8-9; (Necol fault 4) 9-9; (Ibargarai two wall) 10-9
Scoring
Ibargarai +4 -4; Necol +5 -6
Balls in play: 118
Ibargarai 38b 21a=59; Necol 38b 21a=59
+++
Match scoring:
Ibargarai +17 -8; Necol +13 -13(including 5 service faults)
Total match scoring: +30(.588) -21(.412)
Balls in play: 287
Ibargarai: 88b 58a=146; Necol 85b 56a=141
Non error % (BIP -errors)/BIP: .927
Saves: 62
Ibargarai 34; most saves on a point: 5 (Joko 3 Point 2) 8 points with multiple saves
Necol 28; most saves on a point: 3 (J2 P2); 7 points with multiple saves
Save % (saves/BIP): .216
Time of the match: 43:56
Average balls per point: 5.6
Average time per point: 0:52
Ibargarai went into the match with a clear strategy: keep Necol as far away from the front wall as possible, and make him play with his left hand as much as possible. 11 of Ibargarai's 17 winners were either left wall, deep left wall (4, including 1 past the 7 line, 2 past the 8 line, and 1 at the 10 line--all of which Necol got to but could not return), or shots off the back wall. 3 of these types of shots were at the heart of Ibargarai's comeback 10-9 win (he was behind 5-9) in the 2nd Joko. In the 3rd and final joko, Necol faulted 4 times at 5-4--6-4, 6-6--7-6, 7-8--8-8, and 8-9--9-9. In the end, Necol was at joko point in 2 of the 3 jokos in a devastating loss. But as Ibargarai showed last year, he knows how to execute strategies that work to his advantage agains delantero (front) opponents (he did this to Gaubeka in last year's Final).
+++++
February 14
Jornada (Day) 3
Judges: Inigo Thomas and Ager Perez
L2-3 Ibai Perez (Z) (seeded in) 1 (EITB: match begins at 0:00 on the video)
(10-8, 4-10, 10-6, 10-6) (34-30) (D 2-0; Z 0-2)
Joko "talking" linescores (match winner always listed 1st)
J1: 1-0
4-0; 4-3; 5-3; 5-6; 6-6; 6-7; (Ibai beats Fusto with a carom serve) 6-8; (Ibai tries another and faults) 7-8; 9-8; (Ibai error) 10-8
3 equal scores, 2 lead changes. largest lead Fusto 4 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +6 -2; Ibai Perez +6 -4
Balls in play: 92
Fusto 37 on the bounce; 10 in the air=47; Ibai Perez 34b 11a=45
+++
J2: 1-1
0-3; 1-3; 1-5 (Ibai Perez makes 3 rebote saves and then wins the point) 1-6; 2-6; 2-7; 3-7; 4-7; 4-10
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, largest lead: Ibai Perez 6 points
Scoring:
Fusto +3 -2; Ibai Perez +8 -1
Balls in play: 58
Fusto 17b 9a=26; Ibai Perez 26b 6a=32
+++
J3: 2-1
2-0; 2-2; 3-2; 3-4; 4-4; 4-5; (Ibai a left wall winner after Fusto makes a desparate apron save) 4-6; (Fusto an outside cortada--sidearm blast) 5-6; (Fusto a left wall winner off an apron save) 6-6; (Ibai Perez two wall off the court) 7-6; (Fusto two wall) 8-6; (Ibai Perez 2 errors) 10-6.
4 equal scores, 2 lead changes, largest lead Fusto 4 points.
Scoring:
Fusto +6 -4; Ibai Perez +2 -4
Balls in play: 116
Fusto 50b 10a=60; Ibai Perez 41b 15a=56
+++
J4: 3-1
2-0; 2-2; 4-2; 4-4; 7-4 (Fusto a perfect chic-chac--bounces too low off the back wall to be returned) 8-4; (Ibai Perez 2 two walls) 8-6; (Ibai Perez 2 errors) 10-6
2 equal scores, 0 lead changes, largest lead, Fusto 4 points
For the match: 9 equal scores, 4 lead changes. Largest lead: Ibai Perez 6 points (J2)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -2; Ibai Perez +4 -3
Balls in play: 87
Fusto 35b 9a=44; Ibai Perez 24b 19a=43
+++
Match scoring
Fusto +22 -10; Ibai Perez +20 -12
Total match scoring: +42 (.636) -22 (.344)
Balls in play: 353
Fusto 139 on the bounce and 38 in the air=177; Ibai Perez 125b 51a=176
Non-error % (BIP - errors)/BIP: .938
Saves: 84
Fusto 36(including 3 rebotes--rebounds off the back wall) and 3 saves returned for winners--best was the left wall winner off a running apron save--see above)
Ibai Perez 48(8r and 3 save winners (2 two walls and 1 left wall)
Save % (saves/BIP): .238
Time of the match: 65:19
Average balls per point: 5.52
Average time per point: 1:01
Match article for both matches (Mundo Deportivo)
J1: 1-0
4-0; 4-3; 5-3; 5-6; 6-6; 6-7; (Ibai beats Fusto with a carom serve) 6-8; (Ibai tries another and faults) 7-8; 9-8; (Ibai error) 10-8
3 equal scores, 2 lead changes. largest lead Fusto 4 points)
Scoring:
Fusto +6 -2; Ibai Perez +6 -4
Balls in play: 92
Fusto 37 on the bounce; 10 in the air=47; Ibai Perez 34b 11a=45
+++
J2: 1-1
0-3; 1-3; 1-5 (Ibai Perez makes 3 rebote saves and then wins the point) 1-6; 2-6; 2-7; 3-7; 4-7; 4-10
0 equal scores, 0 lead changes, largest lead: Ibai Perez 6 points
Scoring:
Fusto +3 -2; Ibai Perez +8 -1
Balls in play: 58
Fusto 17b 9a=26; Ibai Perez 26b 6a=32
+++
J3: 2-1
2-0; 2-2; 3-2; 3-4; 4-4; 4-5; (Ibai a left wall winner after Fusto makes a desparate apron save) 4-6; (Fusto an outside cortada--sidearm blast) 5-6; (Fusto a left wall winner off an apron save) 6-6; (Ibai Perez two wall off the court) 7-6; (Fusto two wall) 8-6; (Ibai Perez 2 errors) 10-6.
4 equal scores, 2 lead changes, largest lead Fusto 4 points.
Scoring:
Fusto +6 -4; Ibai Perez +2 -4
Balls in play: 116
Fusto 50b 10a=60; Ibai Perez 41b 15a=56
+++
J4: 3-1
2-0; 2-2; 4-2; 4-4; 7-4 (Fusto a perfect chic-chac--bounces too low off the back wall to be returned) 8-4; (Ibai Perez 2 two walls) 8-6; (Ibai Perez 2 errors) 10-6
2 equal scores, 0 lead changes, largest lead, Fusto 4 points
For the match: 9 equal scores, 4 lead changes. Largest lead: Ibai Perez 6 points (J2)
Scoring:
Fusto +7 -2; Ibai Perez +4 -3
Balls in play: 87
Fusto 35b 9a=44; Ibai Perez 24b 19a=43
+++
Match scoring
Fusto +22 -10; Ibai Perez +20 -12
Total match scoring: +42 (.636) -22 (.344)
Balls in play: 353
Fusto 139 on the bounce and 38 in the air=177; Ibai Perez 125b 51a=176
Non-error % (BIP - errors)/BIP: .938
Saves: 84
Fusto 36(including 3 rebotes--rebounds off the back wall) and 3 saves returned for winners--best was the left wall winner off a running apron save--see above)
Ibai Perez 48(8r and 3 save winners (2 two walls and 1 left wall)
Save % (saves/BIP): .238
Time of the match: 65:19
Average balls per point: 5.52
Average time per point: 1:01
Match article for both matches (Mundo Deportivo)
Two finishing runs (4 in the in the first joko and a crushing 6 in the 3rd after Ibai Perez was 4 points from a 2-1 lead) turned this match in Fusto's direction. After last week's marathon, Fusto is beginning to look ominous.His next opponent is L2 (seeded in) Gaubeka, last year's runner-up, in a semi-final.
L1-6 Urrutia (Z) (1-1) 0 (EITB: match begins at 1:12:42 on the video)
(10-5, 10-5, 10-6) (30-16) (D 3-0; Z 0-3)
J1: 1-0
Linescore (match winners always listed 1st)
0-2; 6-2; 6-3; 7-3; 7-5; 10-5
1 equal score, 1 lead change.
Scoring:
Necol +5 -3; Urrutia +2 -5
Balls in play: 68
Necol 24 on the bounce; 13 in the air=37; Urrutia 22b 9a=31
J2: 2-0
0-3; (Urrutia misses an almost point blank dejada with Necol in the deep back court after making a desperate save) 1-3; (Necol 2 wall) 2-3; Necol 2 wall cortada (sidearm blast of the front-left wall) 3-3; (Necol service ace) 4-3; (Necol outside pass chic-chac (ball bounces off back wall too low to be returned)) 5-3; (Necol ace) 6-3; 6-5; (Necol left wall) 7-5; (Necol left wall) 8-5; (Necol chic-chac) 9-5; Necol a left pass off an apron save) 10-5
1 equal score, 1 lead change.
Scoring:
Necol +9 -1; Urrutia +4 -1
Balls in play: 87
Necol 34b 11a=45; Urrutia 28b 14a-42
J3: 3-0
Necol (left wall) 1-0; Necol (2 chic chacs) 3-0; 3-2; Necol an overhead pass after an apron save of a Urrutia two wall) 4-2; (Necol ace) 5-2; 5-3; (Necol two wall) 6-3; 6-4; (Urrutia error--too low) 7-4; 8-4; 8-6; (Urrutia error--hits off the concha); 9-6; (Necol ace) 10-6
Scoring:
Necol +7 -3; Urrutia +3 -3
Balls in play: 65
Necol 22b 12a=34; Urrutia 20b 11a-31
+++
Match scoring:
Necol +21 -7; Urrutia +9 -9
Total Match scoring:
+30 (.652) -16 (.348)
Balls in play: 220
Necol 80b 36a=116; Urrutia 70b 34a=104
Non-error % (BIP - errors) / BIP: .927
Saves: 47
Necol 24(including 1 rebote); Urrutia 23(8r)
Saves % (saves/BIP) .214
Time of the match: 36:19
Average number of balls per point: 4.78
Average time per point: 47.4 seconds
Necol came into the match with an overall 10 match winning streak. His Liga Kutxabank Champion partner Urrutia had a 9 match streak. But this match was no contest from beginning to end. Necol dominated the 1st joko. Then, Urrutia came out "firing on all cylinders" to take a 3-0 lead in J2. He then made an egregious and deflating error to open the door a crack. Then Necol ruthlessly kicked the door down with 6 and 4 point runs that not only destroyed Urrutia in this joko, but pretty much broke his resistance for the match. One could almost see that in his body language in the 3rd joko. Necol kept pouring "gasoline on the fire," the piece de resistance being a running apron save that he immediately turned into a left wall winner, changing a 3-3 score to 4-2 and completely finishing Urrutia. It was an impressive demonstration of just how destructive an offensive force Dan Necol can be when he gets things right. And food for thought for his next opponent, Xabier Ibargarai, the defending champion in this competition.
As an interesting aside, delanteros (fronts) have won all three of their matches against zaguaros (backs) thus far, in spite of the fact that backs serve in this modality.
J1: 1-0
Linescore (match winners always listed 1st)
0-2; 6-2; 6-3; 7-3; 7-5; 10-5
1 equal score, 1 lead change.
Scoring:
Necol +5 -3; Urrutia +2 -5
Balls in play: 68
Necol 24 on the bounce; 13 in the air=37; Urrutia 22b 9a=31
J2: 2-0
0-3; (Urrutia misses an almost point blank dejada with Necol in the deep back court after making a desperate save) 1-3; (Necol 2 wall) 2-3; Necol 2 wall cortada (sidearm blast of the front-left wall) 3-3; (Necol service ace) 4-3; (Necol outside pass chic-chac (ball bounces off back wall too low to be returned)) 5-3; (Necol ace) 6-3; 6-5; (Necol left wall) 7-5; (Necol left wall) 8-5; (Necol chic-chac) 9-5; Necol a left pass off an apron save) 10-5
1 equal score, 1 lead change.
Scoring:
Necol +9 -1; Urrutia +4 -1
Balls in play: 87
Necol 34b 11a=45; Urrutia 28b 14a-42
J3: 3-0
Necol (left wall) 1-0; Necol (2 chic chacs) 3-0; 3-2; Necol an overhead pass after an apron save of a Urrutia two wall) 4-2; (Necol ace) 5-2; 5-3; (Necol two wall) 6-3; 6-4; (Urrutia error--too low) 7-4; 8-4; 8-6; (Urrutia error--hits off the concha); 9-6; (Necol ace) 10-6
Scoring:
Necol +7 -3; Urrutia +3 -3
Balls in play: 65
Necol 22b 12a=34; Urrutia 20b 11a-31
+++
Match scoring:
Necol +21 -7; Urrutia +9 -9
Total Match scoring:
+30 (.652) -16 (.348)
Balls in play: 220
Necol 80b 36a=116; Urrutia 70b 34a=104
Non-error % (BIP - errors) / BIP: .927
Saves: 47
Necol 24(including 1 rebote); Urrutia 23(8r)
Saves % (saves/BIP) .214
Time of the match: 36:19
Average number of balls per point: 4.78
Average time per point: 47.4 seconds
Necol came into the match with an overall 10 match winning streak. His Liga Kutxabank Champion partner Urrutia had a 9 match streak. But this match was no contest from beginning to end. Necol dominated the 1st joko. Then, Urrutia came out "firing on all cylinders" to take a 3-0 lead in J2. He then made an egregious and deflating error to open the door a crack. Then Necol ruthlessly kicked the door down with 6 and 4 point runs that not only destroyed Urrutia in this joko, but pretty much broke his resistance for the match. One could almost see that in his body language in the 3rd joko. Necol kept pouring "gasoline on the fire," the piece de resistance being a running apron save that he immediately turned into a left wall winner, changing a 3-3 score to 4-2 and completely finishing Urrutia. It was an impressive demonstration of just how destructive an offensive force Dan Necol can be when he gets things right. And food for thought for his next opponent, Xabier Ibargarai, the defending champion in this competition.
As an interesting aside, delanteros (fronts) have won all three of their matches against zaguaros (backs) thus far, in spite of the fact that backs serve in this modality.
+++++
February 7
Jornada (Day) 2
L1-6 Urrutia (Z) (1-0) 3
L1-8 Garate (D-Z) (1-1) 0
L1-8 Garate (D-Z) (1-1) 0
(10-5, 10-5, 10-7) (30-17)
L2-5 Fusto (D) (1-0) 3
L2-7 Gordon (Z) (0-1) 2 (D 1-0; Z 0-1)
(7-10, 10-3, 10-3, 0-10, 10-9) (37-35)
Source for both scores: Diario Vasco Cartelera)
According to the match article Fusto had to use every ounce of muscle, intelligence, and vast experience, to survive this match and move on next week to face seeded Ibai-Perez. First, he suffered a back injury in the 1st Joko. Second, he broke 3 bats during the course of the match, something almost unheard of in this modality. As with any bat and ball sport, each bat, even if customized to its user's specifications, is different and takes some getting used to. In a sport where one might have to hit the pelota 250 or more times, this can be quite a challenge. Third, after recovering from a 7-10 1st Joko (set) loss, he settled in to hammer Gordon by 20-6 in the next two jokos. Surely an easy victory was on hand. But then Fusto suffered the extremely rare indignity of a shutout (0-10) loss. But this is a sport where the best palistas must have a very short memory. And so it came down to 9-9 in the 5th joko. On the 72nd point of one of the most "roller-coaster" of matches, Fusto had enough left to win the point and match, showing why, at age 39, he is still a force to be reckoned with.
The other match was more sedate and decisive. Urrutia carried the momentum of his recent Liga Kutxabank undefeated championship forward into this match, with an easy 3 joko victory over Garate. His reward: a match next week against his L-K partner, seeded Dan Necol. It should be a very interesting. match.
+++++
February 1
Jornada 1
L1-8 Garate (Z-D) (1-0) 3
L1-9 Ibarguren (D) (0-1) 1
(10-5, 3-10, 10-9, 10-5) (33-29)
(Source: Diario Vasco Cartelera)
Match article (Deia)
Match article (El Correo)
According to both articles, Ibarguren began in a "nervous" state and Garate took advantage for an easy 1st joko (set) win. Ibarguren found his rhythm in a dominant 2nd joko reply. The match then turned on the 3rd joko, during which Garate rallied from a 6-9 deficit to win. That seemed to break the resistance of the rookie delantero and Garate won the 4th Joko easily.
"Curtain Raiser" (non-Tournament match)
Necol-Urrutia 3 Gaubeka-Gordon 0
(10-2, 10-5, 10-6) (30-13)
(Source: Diario Vasco Cartelera)
In this non-tournament opening match, N-U continued their domination as a pairs team easily defeating G-G. N-U are now 10-0 as a pair this season.
=====================
C. History of the Tournament
C. History of the Tournament
Previous Tournament winners: (various sources)
1995: Oskar Insausti
1996: Insausti
1997: No competition
1998: Insausti
1999: Insausti
2000: Insausti
2001:?
2002: Insausti
Source for 1995-2002: Jose Javier Albisu blog post (scroll to Insausti article).
2003: Gaubeka (Diario Vasco)
2004: Gaubeka (Diario Vasco)
2005:?
2006 Lujan 35 Rekalde 26 (Match article--includes linescore and partial scoring) (Javier Albisu Perez blog post--scroll to the article on Lujan--post includes short articles on 9 great Palistas) Match article (Deia)
2007: Imanol 35 Lujan 29 Match article (El Correo)
2008: Gaubeka 35 Fusto 27 Match article (El Confidencial)
2009: Fusto 35 Gaubeka 20 Match article (Naiz); Final point video (Fusto Youtube)
2010: Gaubeka 35 Ziskar II 18 Match article (manista.com)
2011: No tournament
2012: Fusto 3 Lujan 0 (10-8, 10-2, 10-8) (30-20) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala)
Individual joko (set) scores (Innpala Twitter feed)
2013: Fusto 3 Gaubeka 0 (10-7, 10-3, 10-8) (30-18) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala); Match article (marca.com) Video: final point (EITB)
2014: Fusto 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-5; 10-3; 10-4) (30-12) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala); Match article (El Correo); Match video highlights (Rober Areizaga Ollobarren Youtube); Match video highlights (EITB) Complete Illustrated Tournament coverage (Haixeder Blog); Illustrated Final match article (Haixeder blog)
2015: Fusto 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-3; 10-5; 10-8) (30-16) Match schedule (Innpala); Match article (La Vanguardia) Mundo Pilota Batzarra "Dossier" (.pdf format, 5p.)
2016: Fusto 3 Gaubeka 0 (10-6; 10-5; 10-8?) (30-19?) Match schedule (Innpala); Match article (Munduko Pilota Batzarra) Match article with 3rd joko score (Naiz); first two joko scores (Innpala Twitter feed)
2017: Ibai-Perez 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-3, 10-8, 10-6) (30-17) Match schedule (Innpala); Complete coverage of the entire tournament (this blog) Note: video links in blog coverage have been removed by EITB
2018: Gaubeka 3 Zubiri 2 (10-9, 10-8, 7-10, 2-10, 10-8) (39-45) Match schedule and players (Mundo Pilota Batzarra) Complete tournament coverage (Munduko Pilota Batzarra); Final: full match video (EITB)
2019: Ibargarai 3 Gaubeka 2 (8-10, 10-6, 9-10, 10-9, 10-8) (47-43)
Complete BLOG tournament coverage. Includes match videos for 8 matches, as well as match articles, selected statistics, and analysis.
Most Tournaments won since 1995: Oskar Insausti--7 Fusto--6, Gaubeka--5. Most tournament championships played: Oscar Insausti (?), Gaubeka 8, Fusto 7, From 2012-2016 Fusto won each final in straight jokos--15 consecutive jokos. Points: 150-85.
=====================
For cumulative win-loss and joko records for the 2019-2020 season, see the InnPala Player won-loss and rankings page on the right side of the blog.
1995: Oskar Insausti
1996: Insausti
1997: No competition
1998: Insausti
1999: Insausti
2000: Insausti
2001:?
2002: Insausti
Source for 1995-2002: Jose Javier Albisu blog post (scroll to Insausti article).
2003: Gaubeka (Diario Vasco)
2004: Gaubeka (Diario Vasco)
2005:?
2006 Lujan 35 Rekalde 26 (Match article--includes linescore and partial scoring) (Javier Albisu Perez blog post--scroll to the article on Lujan--post includes short articles on 9 great Palistas) Match article (Deia)
2007: Imanol 35 Lujan 29 Match article (El Correo)
2008: Gaubeka 35 Fusto 27 Match article (El Confidencial)
2009: Fusto 35 Gaubeka 20 Match article (Naiz); Final point video (Fusto Youtube)
2010: Gaubeka 35 Ziskar II 18 Match article (manista.com)
2011: No tournament
2012: Fusto 3 Lujan 0 (10-8, 10-2, 10-8) (30-20) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala)
Individual joko (set) scores (Innpala Twitter feed)
2013: Fusto 3 Gaubeka 0 (10-7, 10-3, 10-8) (30-18) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala); Match article (marca.com) Video: final point (EITB)
2014: Fusto 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-5; 10-3; 10-4) (30-12) Complete Tournament Ladder (Innpala); Match article (El Correo); Match video highlights (Rober Areizaga Ollobarren Youtube); Match video highlights (EITB) Complete Illustrated Tournament coverage (Haixeder Blog); Illustrated Final match article (Haixeder blog)
2015: Fusto 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-3; 10-5; 10-8) (30-16) Match schedule (Innpala); Match article (La Vanguardia) Mundo Pilota Batzarra "Dossier" (.pdf format, 5p.)
2016: Fusto 3 Gaubeka 0 (10-6; 10-5; 10-8?) (30-19?) Match schedule (Innpala); Match article (Munduko Pilota Batzarra) Match article with 3rd joko score (Naiz); first two joko scores (Innpala Twitter feed)
2017: Ibai-Perez 3 Ibargarai 0 (10-3, 10-8, 10-6) (30-17) Match schedule (Innpala); Complete coverage of the entire tournament (this blog) Note: video links in blog coverage have been removed by EITB
2018: Gaubeka 3 Zubiri 2 (10-9, 10-8, 7-10, 2-10, 10-8) (39-45) Match schedule and players (Mundo Pilota Batzarra) Complete tournament coverage (Munduko Pilota Batzarra); Final: full match video (EITB)
2019: Ibargarai 3 Gaubeka 2 (8-10, 10-6, 9-10, 10-9, 10-8) (47-43)
Complete BLOG tournament coverage. Includes match videos for 8 matches, as well as match articles, selected statistics, and analysis.
Most Tournaments won since 1995: Oskar Insausti--7 Fusto--6, Gaubeka--5. Most tournament championships played: Oscar Insausti (?), Gaubeka 8, Fusto 7, From 2012-2016 Fusto won each final in straight jokos--15 consecutive jokos. Points: 150-85.
=====================
For cumulative win-loss and joko records for the 2019-2020 season, see the InnPala Player won-loss and rankings page on the right side of the blog.
