Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas, the premier doubles
competition of the 2016-2017 Mano season, began December 2, 2016. 8
teams compete for the title. The first (league) phase is a double round
robin (14 matches). The top 4 finishers will then face off in a single
round robin (3 matches). The two winners will play in a final on April
9, 2017.
Asegarce Competition Page
Asegarce League phase table
ASPE League phase table
Wikipedia Competition Page (Castilian)
Full ongoing league phase table (with total points and differential):
Source for all match articles, unless otherwise specifically stated, is 21iguales.com 21iguales.com will also keep an ongoing phase table at its main Parejas site and with every match article.
Match linescores will be provided from match articles when available. Full match linescores can be found at 21iguales.com Twitter feed. Track back to the date and match and follow from beginning to end. The feed is also available at the Main site of 21iguales.com while the matches are in progress.
Source for all highlights and full match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, is EITB.
Week 1; Week 2; Week 3; Week 4; Week 5
Week 6
January 5, 2017
Brief video recap of the week
At the end of the 6th round, 5 teams are tied for 2nd place with 3 wins and 3 losses. The tie breaker is point differential, which is listed in every linked table.
A. Beotibar, Tolosa (1)(2): Irribaria-Rezusta defeated Victor (substituting for Artola)-Albisu 22-13.
Match article with statistics and linescore
The first half of the match was equal, with each team taking and then losing substantial leads. I-R owned the second half 11-2. Irribaria outscored the other three players combined. I-R 6-0 (+6) A-A 3-3 (-2)
Match highlights
Match highlights (22iguales.com Youtube) 11 selected points.
January 6, 2017
B. Astelena, Eibar (1)(2): Elezkano II-Zabaleta defeated Urrutikoetxea-Imaz 22-16.
Match article with statistics and linescore
The lead changed hands 4 times in this match. The last 2 (7-11--12-11 and 12-13--18-13) were decisive. Urrutikoetxea did all the scoring (+10, but also 5 errors) for his team. Imaz' score was +0 -0 E-Z 3-3 (+1) U-I 1-5(-3)
In a late news update, Danel Elezkano will be replaced by Erik Jaka for E-Z's round 7 match v Ezkurdia-Merino II. Elezkano has an ankle ligament injury. He twisted the ankle late in this match, but returned to finish it after treatment. At this time Elizkano's return date is unknown.
Elizkano injury article (Diario Vasco)
Match highlights
Full Match video (Fronton.tv) Scroll to "Eibar-Astelena - 06/01/2017". Elezkano's injury occurs in the 21-16 point. Point begins at 1:01:31. Injury occurs at 1:01:58. Point ends at 1:02:02 on the video.
January 7, 2017
C. Labrit, Iruna (Pamplona) (1) (2): Altuna III-Barriola defeated Bengoetxea VI-Larunbe 22-12.
Match article with statistics and linescore
For the second week in a row, A-B came back from a big deficit to win. This time, B-L got off to a quick 8-2 lead.Then A-B struck back with a 14-0 run that sealed the outcome. Altuna III again had a big match, scoring around 70% of his team's points. A-B have won each of the three matches they have played together. They have lost the three where one or both of them did not play. A-B 3-3 (+2) B-L 2-4 (-1).
Match highlights
Full match video (match begins at 1:05:34 on the video).
January 8, 2017
D. Politiportivo La Juventud, Soria (1)(2): Ezkurdia-Merino II defeated Victor (substituting for Olaizola II)-Untoria 22-12
Match article with statistics and linescore
Explanation of Olaizola II's absence (Diario Vasco)
Olaizola II missed this match due to illness. He was replaced by Victor, playing his second match (both as a substitute) in 4 days. E-M broke open the match with a 6-0 run in the second half. E-M 3-3 (+1) O-U 3-3 (-1)
Match highlights
Full match video (match begins at 1:07:47 on the video).
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Remonte--VII Master Individual Oriamendi Tournament--the match after
Whenever EITB broadcasts an important Remonte match from Galarreta, Hernani (1)(2), it is the "Star Match," the 2nd of a four match session. These sessions are played on Thursdays and Saturdays. After the important Star Match, EITB televises the 3rd match, which is usually a match involving better and more experienced players. I watch these matches because I don't often get to see the players in them. Also, it is fascinating to watch the body language of the "grind" that is the essence of the Oriamendi2010 schedule. The body language of these matches reminds me somewhat of the body language seen during the grind of an American Quiniela Jai Alai season at Miami or Dania Beach, Florida. Oriamendi2010 players grind out game after game, with partner after partner, week in and week out throughout the year. When a non-championship Remonte match ends at Galarreta, the contestants simply take off their helmets and cestas and walk off the floor. Fans have almost always seen the incredible things that you will see in a Remonte match. The idea of using something that looks like a Jai Alai basket as a racquet to hit the ball rather than catch and throw it seems impossible. Yet these players do this with grace, athleticism, and style. Remonte is not as fast as Jai Alai (but then, neither is any other ball sport in the world), but it is fast enough. To be able to hit the ball at all is amazing. To be able to hit it with a cesta on your right hand while plastered against the left wall, or to be able to execute standing or falling rebotes (rebounds off the back wall), as is done in Jai Alai on a regular basis, seems impossible with the Remonte implement. Watch and you'll see.
The match I watched (which is covered at the above Star Match link), was between Etxeberria IV-Etxeberria III and Segurola-Ion. Three of them are "A" group players. Segurola is a "B" group player who often plays in matches with A players. What I saw was one of the most amazing performances I have seen in the short time I've been following the sport. Etxeberria IV is a player I have seen little of and read even less about. But he put on an incredible performance to lead his team to victory. His partner had a pretty good game as well. Together, they played an almost perfect match.
Etxeberria IV-Etxeberria III defeated Segurola-Ion 40-26
Full match video (EITB) (match begins at 1 hour, 13 minutes on the video)
MY ARTICLE: Enhanced linescore E IV-EIII v S-I
The match I watched (which is covered at the above Star Match link), was between Etxeberria IV-Etxeberria III and Segurola-Ion. Three of them are "A" group players. Segurola is a "B" group player who often plays in matches with A players. What I saw was one of the most amazing performances I have seen in the short time I've been following the sport. Etxeberria IV is a player I have seen little of and read even less about. But he put on an incredible performance to lead his team to victory. His partner had a pretty good game as well. Together, they played an almost perfect match.
Etxeberria IV-Etxeberria III defeated Segurola-Ion 40-26
Full match video (EITB) (match begins at 1 hour, 13 minutes on the video)
MY ARTICLE: Enhanced linescore E IV-EIII v S-I
Monday, January 9, 2017
Remonte--VII Masters Individual Oriamendi Tournament
The 7th Masters Individual Oriamendi Tournament was played at Galarreta, Hernani (1)(2) on December 31, 2016, January 5, and January 7, 2017.
Oriamendi2010 news release announcing the tournament.
January 7, 2017
Final:
Urriza defeated Endika 30-24
Full match video (EITB)
Match preview (Oriamendi2010)
Match article (Oriamendi2010)
Match article, with statistics and linescore (Diario Vasco)
Match linescore source: EITB and Diario Vasco, statistics source: Diario Vasco
Condensed Match linescore (winner always listed 1st).
1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-4, 4-4, 4-5, 6-5, 6-8, 7-8, 7-11, 8-11, 8-12, 9-12, 9-13, 14-13, 14-14, 15-14, 15-15, 15-16, 16-16, 16-18, 19-18, 19-20, 19-21, 20-21, 23-21, 23-22, 26-22, 26-23, 28-23, 28-24, 30-24
Scoring
Urriza +23 (including 6 service aces) -3 Endika +21 (including 2 service aces) -7
Balls in play: 218
Time of the match: 62 minutes 30 seconds
About a year ago (January 9 and 18, 2016), Uterga defeated Urriza in two singles tournaments (last year's Oriamendi VI Master (30-27) and Euskal Jai Berri Navidad Festival (30-15)). Since that time, Urriza has appeared in 3 singles tournaments--2 Galarreta long court (Kutxabank, VII Oriamendi Masters), and 1 short court (Euskal Jai Berri Navidad (Labrit)). His record in those tournaments is 7 wins, 0 losses and he has won all three convincingly. He defeated Urterga 3 times, Ion twice, Barrenetxea IV once, and Endika once. His average margin of victory in the 7 matches was 30-21.
Since December 26, 2016 he has defeated Uterga twice by the same margin (30-22) and now Endika. They are arguably the top front and back court players on the Oriamendi2010 roster. The victory over Endika was the most difficult, as the linescore shows. Halfway through the match Urriza trailed. But then he simply took over, outscoring Endika 11-3. When you watch the match, watch how he goes into a higher gear to make anti-climactic a match that was terrifically competitive. He just does more things better than anyone else. And is a joy to watch. With the win, Urriza has now won this tournament 3 times. Uterga and Ezkurra have won it twice.
December 31, 2016
1st Semi-final:
Endika defeated Ion 30-19.
Match article (Oriamendi2010)
Partial linescore (winner always listed 1st).
15-15; 24-15; 28-17; 30-19
Salient scoring statistics. Endika 17 service aces; Ion 1 service ace.
Endika scored over half his points via service aces. In the first half of the match he achieved equality by scoring 8 of his 15 points with aces. His 9 point run to begin the 2nd half of the match was decisive. These two players met in a semi-final of the 2015 tournament, the only other time in the last three years they have played each other in a singles match, Endika won 30-23.
January 5, 2017
2nd Semi-final:
Urriza defeated Uterga 30-22
Preview article
Match article
Selected linescore (winners always listed 1st).
5-6; 11-6; 12-8; 21-10; 22-16; 30-22
Scoring: Urriza +27 (including 7 service aces) -4 (including 1 service fault) Uterga +18 (including 5 service aces) -3 (including 2 service faults).
Urriza followed up his championship victory over Uterga on the short court at Iruna (Pamplona) on December 31, 2016 with this win on the long court. The two victories were by identical scores. In this one a 16-4 run (5-6 to 21-10) gave him a platform to cruise to victory. Uterga fought back with his own 6-1 run at that point but it wasn't enough. At 12-8 a ball from Uterga struck Urriza on the wrist and the match was delayed. Uterga had won the last two editions of this tournament. Uterga, Urriza, and Ezkurra have each won two of the first 6 tournaments.
Note: this tournament was also covered as a series of Galarreta "Star Matches" on the recurring Remonte: Galarreta "STAR" matches page on the right side of the blog. There you can follow such tournaments as these in the larger context of the four match sessions that take place on Thursday's and Saturday's.
Oriamendi2010 news release announcing the tournament.
January 7, 2017
Final:
Urriza defeated Endika 30-24
Full match video (EITB)
Match preview (Oriamendi2010)
Match article (Oriamendi2010)
Match article, with statistics and linescore (Diario Vasco)
Match linescore source: EITB and Diario Vasco, statistics source: Diario Vasco
Condensed Match linescore (winner always listed 1st).
1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-4, 4-4, 4-5, 6-5, 6-8, 7-8, 7-11, 8-11, 8-12, 9-12, 9-13, 14-13, 14-14, 15-14, 15-15, 15-16, 16-16, 16-18, 19-18, 19-20, 19-21, 20-21, 23-21, 23-22, 26-22, 26-23, 28-23, 28-24, 30-24
Scoring
Urriza +23 (including 6 service aces) -3 Endika +21 (including 2 service aces) -7
Balls in play: 218
Time of the match: 62 minutes 30 seconds
About a year ago (January 9 and 18, 2016), Uterga defeated Urriza in two singles tournaments (last year's Oriamendi VI Master (30-27) and Euskal Jai Berri Navidad Festival (30-15)). Since that time, Urriza has appeared in 3 singles tournaments--2 Galarreta long court (Kutxabank, VII Oriamendi Masters), and 1 short court (Euskal Jai Berri Navidad (Labrit)). His record in those tournaments is 7 wins, 0 losses and he has won all three convincingly. He defeated Urterga 3 times, Ion twice, Barrenetxea IV once, and Endika once. His average margin of victory in the 7 matches was 30-21.
Since December 26, 2016 he has defeated Uterga twice by the same margin (30-22) and now Endika. They are arguably the top front and back court players on the Oriamendi2010 roster. The victory over Endika was the most difficult, as the linescore shows. Halfway through the match Urriza trailed. But then he simply took over, outscoring Endika 11-3. When you watch the match, watch how he goes into a higher gear to make anti-climactic a match that was terrifically competitive. He just does more things better than anyone else. And is a joy to watch. With the win, Urriza has now won this tournament 3 times. Uterga and Ezkurra have won it twice.
December 31, 2016
1st Semi-final:
Endika defeated Ion 30-19.
Match article (Oriamendi2010)
Partial linescore (winner always listed 1st).
15-15; 24-15; 28-17; 30-19
Salient scoring statistics. Endika 17 service aces; Ion 1 service ace.
Endika scored over half his points via service aces. In the first half of the match he achieved equality by scoring 8 of his 15 points with aces. His 9 point run to begin the 2nd half of the match was decisive. These two players met in a semi-final of the 2015 tournament, the only other time in the last three years they have played each other in a singles match, Endika won 30-23.
January 5, 2017
2nd Semi-final:
Urriza defeated Uterga 30-22
Preview article
Match article
Selected linescore (winners always listed 1st).
5-6; 11-6; 12-8; 21-10; 22-16; 30-22
Scoring: Urriza +27 (including 7 service aces) -4 (including 1 service fault) Uterga +18 (including 5 service aces) -3 (including 2 service faults).
Urriza followed up his championship victory over Uterga on the short court at Iruna (Pamplona) on December 31, 2016 with this win on the long court. The two victories were by identical scores. In this one a 16-4 run (5-6 to 21-10) gave him a platform to cruise to victory. Uterga fought back with his own 6-1 run at that point but it wasn't enough. At 12-8 a ball from Uterga struck Urriza on the wrist and the match was delayed. Uterga had won the last two editions of this tournament. Uterga, Urriza, and Ezkurra have each won two of the first 6 tournaments.
Note: this tournament was also covered as a series of Galarreta "Star Matches" on the recurring Remonte: Galarreta "STAR" matches page on the right side of the blog. There you can follow such tournaments as these in the larger context of the four match sessions that take place on Thursday's and Saturday's.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Main Nue--FFPB Championnat de France Elite Pro Individuel--Results of January 6, 2017
The Main Nue
Individuel Elite Pro Championnat de France A and B competition is sponsored by the Federation Francaise de Pelote Basque (FFPB). The competition began on December 23, 2016 and will end on February 20, 2017. You can follow its progress here. Pelotelive.free.fr also provides A and B
coverage. The tournament is a seeded ladder tournament.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
The A group consists of Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltary. The seeds, from low to high are: Amulet and Ospital (1/8), Bilbao and Waltary (Quarter-finals), and Larralde and Ducassou ("Liguilla").
The B group consists of Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes. The seeds, from low to high are: Darmendrail and L. Lambert (1/8), Palomes and Inchauspe (Quarter-finals), and Elgart and Monce ("Liguilla).
The "Liguilla" phase is a round robin among the top 4 finishers (two who win their way in and two who are seeded in) which will determine the finalists.
Article describing the competition (Esku Pilota)
December 23 2016-January 2, 2017 matches
January 6, 2017
Arcangues (1) (2)
Preview article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
Match article for both matches along with an audio interview with Peio Guichandut (Esku Pilota)
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
B4: Etchegaray defeated Aguirre 40-23 or 40-24
Both match stories list the final score of this match as 40-24. FFPB and pelotelive.free.fr list the final score as 40-23. In any event, after the 1st quarter of the match (7-7; 11-11) Etchegaray took complete control. Etchegary next plays Laurent Lambert at Villefranque on January 14, 2017.
In the Pilota Ttiki preview article on the Etchegary v Inchauspe match of January 20, 2017, the final score of this match is 40-23. (Added January 21, 2017).
A3: Guichandut defeated Amulet 40-39
Selected linescore (source: both articles above)
0-6; 13-13; 13-20; 17-23; 25-25; 27-27; 29-29; 30-30; 33-33; 33-38; 35-39; 39-39; 40-39
According to both accounts, neither player had a particularly good match. There were 7 equalities and Guichandut came from behind to finally win. Guichandut next plays Bilbao at Villefranque on January 14, 2017.
For cumulative records of Main Nue elite professionals see the "Cumulative records of EP players" on the recurring results page on the right side of the blog.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
The A group consists of Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltary. The seeds, from low to high are: Amulet and Ospital (1/8), Bilbao and Waltary (Quarter-finals), and Larralde and Ducassou ("Liguilla").
The B group consists of Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes. The seeds, from low to high are: Darmendrail and L. Lambert (1/8), Palomes and Inchauspe (Quarter-finals), and Elgart and Monce ("Liguilla).
The "Liguilla" phase is a round robin among the top 4 finishers (two who win their way in and two who are seeded in) which will determine the finalists.
Article describing the competition (Esku Pilota)
December 23 2016-January 2, 2017 matches
January 6, 2017
Arcangues (1) (2)
Preview article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
Match article for both matches along with an audio interview with Peio Guichandut (Esku Pilota)
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
B4: Etchegaray defeated Aguirre 40-23 or 40-24
Both match stories list the final score of this match as 40-24. FFPB and pelotelive.free.fr list the final score as 40-23. In any event, after the 1st quarter of the match (7-7; 11-11) Etchegaray took complete control. Etchegary next plays Laurent Lambert at Villefranque on January 14, 2017.
In the Pilota Ttiki preview article on the Etchegary v Inchauspe match of January 20, 2017, the final score of this match is 40-23. (Added January 21, 2017).
A3: Guichandut defeated Amulet 40-39
Selected linescore (source: both articles above)
0-6; 13-13; 13-20; 17-23; 25-25; 27-27; 29-29; 30-30; 33-33; 33-38; 35-39; 39-39; 40-39
According to both accounts, neither player had a particularly good match. There were 7 equalities and Guichandut came from behind to finally win. Guichandut next plays Bilbao at Villefranque on January 14, 2017.
For cumulative records of Main Nue elite professionals see the "Cumulative records of EP players" on the recurring results page on the right side of the blog.
Jai Alai/Cesta Punta--Los Templos Chinos de la Pelota
Los Templos Chinos de la Pelota (Diario Vasco (Bilbo (Bilbao)), January 3, 2016. This article gives a short history of Jai Alai Cesta/Punta in China. It also mentions landmark dates for the expansion of the sport into various parts of the globe. (Thanks To Tiger's Chalk Talk discussion forum Jai Alai News Facebook page for discovering it).
Main Nue-South Basque v North Basque
The Arabako Sagardotegien Torneo Kopo was played January 6, 2017 at Tornosolo, Abadino (1) (2)
Gonzalez-Ugarte defeated Inchauspe-Bilbao 40-14
Condensed linescore (winners always listed 1st) (Source: EITB)
1-0; 1-1; 9-1; 9-2; 11-2; 11-3; 15-3; 15-5; 18-5; 18-6; 19-6; 19-7; 20-7; 20-10; 37-10; 37-14; 40-14
Full match video (EITB)
In a match billed as Hegoalde (South Basque) v Ipparalde (North Basque), the Hegoalde team completely dominated with runs of 8-1 and 17-0 in the first and second halves. Mikel Gonzalez continued his excellent play that was featured in the Super Prestige tournament. His partner Inhar Ugarte also played very well in the back court. Ugarte is a small but strong man, who strikes the pelota with surprising power. His rebotes were quite effective and he showed deft touch on several direct points into the side dugout mesh. Together they simply overwhelmed their North Basque opponents. The 61 ball 20-10 point (33:01-35:48 on the video), won by I-B, their 3rd in a row, was the kind of point that might have given them some needed momentum. Instead it was the last point they scored for the next 17. The 26-10 point was another marathon (73 balls--43:04-46:13) that Ugarte won with a beautiful shot. Gonzalez' service game was effective, netting him 11 aces by my count. He also began several points by serving from the right side, something he did not feature in the two Super-prestige matches for which full match videos were available.
The trinquet was interesting in that a) there was no xilo box, and b) the back wall was glass, behind which was a spectator section. This effectively made Tornosolo an "Argentine" trinquet like Cambo les Bains, meaning the defenders played differently than they would have on a conventional trinquet.
I have little knowledge of the organization of Esku Pilota tournaments and even less knowledge of the state of Main Nue in the South Basque. And making any comparisons based on one match is always dangerous. But I would love to see more Hegoalde-Ipparalde matches like this one. I hope Mikel Gonzalez (and perhaps Inhar Ugarte) get more exposure in future EP tournaments as well.
Gonzalez-Ugarte defeated Inchauspe-Bilbao 40-14
Condensed linescore (winners always listed 1st) (Source: EITB)
1-0; 1-1; 9-1; 9-2; 11-2; 11-3; 15-3; 15-5; 18-5; 18-6; 19-6; 19-7; 20-7; 20-10; 37-10; 37-14; 40-14
Full match video (EITB)
In a match billed as Hegoalde (South Basque) v Ipparalde (North Basque), the Hegoalde team completely dominated with runs of 8-1 and 17-0 in the first and second halves. Mikel Gonzalez continued his excellent play that was featured in the Super Prestige tournament. His partner Inhar Ugarte also played very well in the back court. Ugarte is a small but strong man, who strikes the pelota with surprising power. His rebotes were quite effective and he showed deft touch on several direct points into the side dugout mesh. Together they simply overwhelmed their North Basque opponents. The 61 ball 20-10 point (33:01-35:48 on the video), won by I-B, their 3rd in a row, was the kind of point that might have given them some needed momentum. Instead it was the last point they scored for the next 17. The 26-10 point was another marathon (73 balls--43:04-46:13) that Ugarte won with a beautiful shot. Gonzalez' service game was effective, netting him 11 aces by my count. He also began several points by serving from the right side, something he did not feature in the two Super-prestige matches for which full match videos were available.
The trinquet was interesting in that a) there was no xilo box, and b) the back wall was glass, behind which was a spectator section. This effectively made Tornosolo an "Argentine" trinquet like Cambo les Bains, meaning the defenders played differently than they would have on a conventional trinquet.
I have little knowledge of the organization of Esku Pilota tournaments and even less knowledge of the state of Main Nue in the South Basque. And making any comparisons based on one match is always dangerous. But I would love to see more Hegoalde-Ipparalde matches like this one. I hope Mikel Gonzalez (and perhaps Inhar Ugarte) get more exposure in future EP tournaments as well.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
NEW PAGE ON RIGHT SIDE OF BLOG: Main Nue: Cumulative records of Esku Pilota players
I have added a new recurring results page to the right side of the blog. Main Nue: Cumulative records of Esku Pilota players. The table began with the results from matches played on January 2, 2017.
Esku Pilota keeps a ranking table of its roster based on a weighted scale of their performance in tournaments of ranked difficulty (EP 500, 1000, 2000). A question that I have been interested in is the actual win-loss records of these players, which I have been unable to find compiled anywhere.
I will keep a cumulative record of players for the calendar year. This is,of course, an arbitrary time division. But since Main Nue is played throughout the year, this seems as good a place as any to start. The players will be broken into "A" and "B" categories as listed in the Championnat de France Elite Pro A and B tournaments. Again, this is an arbitrary division, but easier than to try to divide them by the tournaments they play in. If, however, a B player plays in an A tournament (EP 1000 or 2000), his record will be recorded with the A players. The same will be true for A players who play in B tournaments (EP 500 or less). So you may see players listed in both categories. Players will be divided by position (front and back). This table will hopefully entertain and perhaps enlighten a bit.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
For the purposes of this table, only matches that are played will be counted.
A Group
Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltery.
B Group
Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes
Esku Pilota keeps a ranking table of its roster based on a weighted scale of their performance in tournaments of ranked difficulty (EP 500, 1000, 2000). A question that I have been interested in is the actual win-loss records of these players, which I have been unable to find compiled anywhere.
I will keep a cumulative record of players for the calendar year. This is,of course, an arbitrary time division. But since Main Nue is played throughout the year, this seems as good a place as any to start. The players will be broken into "A" and "B" categories as listed in the Championnat de France Elite Pro A and B tournaments. Again, this is an arbitrary division, but easier than to try to divide them by the tournaments they play in. If, however, a B player plays in an A tournament (EP 1000 or 2000), his record will be recorded with the A players. The same will be true for A players who play in B tournaments (EP 500 or less). So you may see players listed in both categories. Players will be divided by position (front and back). This table will hopefully entertain and perhaps enlighten a bit.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
For the purposes of this table, only matches that are played will be counted.
A Group
Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltery.
B Group
Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes
Main Nue: FFPB Championnat de France Elite Pro Individuel "A" and "B" competitions begins
The Main Nue
Individuel Elite Pro Championnat de France A and B competition is sponsored by the Federation Francaise de Pelote Basque (FFPB). The competition began on December 23, 2016 and will end on February 20, 2017. You can follow its progress here. Note: the "progress here" link has been changed to a (hopefully) persistent URL that covers the entire tournament. That link is now present in every MNIEP CDF post. (Added March 18, 2017).
Pelotelive.free.fr also provides A and B coverage. The tournament is a seeded ladder tournament.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
The A group consists of Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltary. The seeds, from low to high are: Amulet and Ospital (1/8), Bilbao and Waltary (Quarter-finals), and Larralde and Ducassou ("Liguilla").
The B group consists of Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes. The seeds, from low to high are: Darmendrail and L. Lambert (1/8), Palomes and Inchauspe (Quarter-finals), and Elgart and Monce ("Liguilla").
The "Liguilla" phase is a round robin among the top 4 finishers (two who win their way in and two who are seeded in) which will determine the finalists.
Article describing the competition (Esku Pilota)
Barriage (non-seeded play-in):
December 23, 2016:
Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle (1) (2)
B1: Olcomendy defeated Lucu 40-18
December 30, 2016:
Arcangues (1) (2)
Background article (Pilota Ttiki)
B2: Aguirre defeated Olcomendy 40-35
A1: Guichandut defeated Bielle 40-25
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
January 2, 2017
Le Garat, St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (1) (2)
B3: Benesse defeated Migueltorena via a forfeit.
In place of that match as a "lever de rideau" (curtain raiser) for the A2 match, Monce (seeded into the "liguilla" phase of the B tournament) played against Benesse instead.
Monce defeated Benesse 40-33
Note that Benesse was scheduled to play Darmendrail in the 1/8 level on January 9, 2017 at the Garat. Darmendrail has dropped out of the tournament due to a cyst operation. Benesse has been scheduled for another "lever de rideau" v Elgart (also seeded into the "liguilla phase of the B tournament) subject to confirmation. Benesse's next match in the tournament will be the Quarter-final v Palomes at the Garat on January 16. If all of this falls into place, Benesse could be playing a quarter final having already played both players seeded in at the "liguilla" level. See the above link to the FFPB results page to see how the liguilla works.
A2: de Ezcurra defeated X. Lambert 40-35
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
Match statistics for A2 (Source: H. Ocafrain via Goizeko Izarra's "lundi" page). Note these statistics will only be available until the next "lundi" match. They were
Decade linescores and equalities (Ocafrain) interspersed with selected line scores provided by Pilota Ttiki (winner always listed 1st):
7-3; 13-7; 14-7; 14-14, 15-15, 17-17; 19-21; 20-22; 22-22 26-22; 26-24 26-26; 27-27; 32-28; 37-33; 40-35
Time of the match: 1 hour, 8 minutes. Actual playing time: 29 minutes
Scoring:
de Ezcurra +32 (8 service aces, 4 egindakoak, 1 xareat, 8 pumpa xare, 1 ziloat, 3 buruzgain, 2 motz, 5 izkin motz) -5
X. Lambert +30 (7 service aces, 10 egindakoak, 1 xareat, 2 pumpa xare, 3 dejadez, 1 motz, 6 izkin motz) -8
de Ezcurra had the initiative for most of the match, but Lambert kept fighting back. The last decade consisted of de Ezcurra protecting the small lead he had built earlier.
Pelotelive.free.fr also provides A and B coverage. The tournament is a seeded ladder tournament.
* not listed on the Esku Pilota player pages at this time.
The A group consists of Antton Amulet, Philippe Bielle, Bixintxo Bilbao, Pascal de Ezcurra, Baptiste Ducassou, Peio Guichandut, Ximun Lambert, Peio Larralde, Matheiu Ospital, and Agusti Waltary. The seeds, from low to high are: Amulet and Ospital (1/8), Bilbao and Waltary (Quarter-finals), and Larralde and Ducassou ("Liguilla").
The B group consists of Gregory Aguirre, Jean-Philippe Benesse*, Mickael Darmendrail, Vincent Elgart, Julien Etchegaray, Alexis Inchauspe, Laurent Lambert, Cedric Lucu, Alain Migueltorena, Antton Monce, Mattin Olcomendy*, and Mickael Palomes. The seeds, from low to high are: Darmendrail and L. Lambert (1/8), Palomes and Inchauspe (Quarter-finals), and Elgart and Monce ("Liguilla").
The "Liguilla" phase is a round robin among the top 4 finishers (two who win their way in and two who are seeded in) which will determine the finalists.
Article describing the competition (Esku Pilota)
Barriage (non-seeded play-in):
December 23, 2016:
Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle (1) (2)
B1: Olcomendy defeated Lucu 40-18
December 30, 2016:
Arcangues (1) (2)
Background article (Pilota Ttiki)
B2: Aguirre defeated Olcomendy 40-35
A1: Guichandut defeated Bielle 40-25
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
January 2, 2017
Le Garat, St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (1) (2)
B3: Benesse defeated Migueltorena via a forfeit.
In place of that match as a "lever de rideau" (curtain raiser) for the A2 match, Monce (seeded into the "liguilla" phase of the B tournament) played against Benesse instead.
Monce defeated Benesse 40-33
Note that Benesse was scheduled to play Darmendrail in the 1/8 level on January 9, 2017 at the Garat. Darmendrail has dropped out of the tournament due to a cyst operation. Benesse has been scheduled for another "lever de rideau" v Elgart (also seeded into the "liguilla phase of the B tournament) subject to confirmation. Benesse's next match in the tournament will be the Quarter-final v Palomes at the Garat on January 16. If all of this falls into place, Benesse could be playing a quarter final having already played both players seeded in at the "liguilla" level. See the above link to the FFPB results page to see how the liguilla works.
A2: de Ezcurra defeated X. Lambert 40-35
Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)
Match statistics for A2 (Source: H. Ocafrain via Goizeko Izarra's "lundi" page). Note these statistics will only be available until the next "lundi" match. They were
Decade linescores and equalities (Ocafrain) interspersed with selected line scores provided by Pilota Ttiki (winner always listed 1st):
7-3; 13-7; 14-7; 14-14, 15-15, 17-17; 19-21; 20-22; 22-22 26-22; 26-24 26-26; 27-27; 32-28; 37-33; 40-35
Time of the match: 1 hour, 8 minutes. Actual playing time: 29 minutes
Scoring:
de Ezcurra +32 (8 service aces, 4 egindakoak, 1 xareat, 8 pumpa xare, 1 ziloat, 3 buruzgain, 2 motz, 5 izkin motz) -5
X. Lambert +30 (7 service aces, 10 egindakoak, 1 xareat, 2 pumpa xare, 3 dejadez, 1 motz, 6 izkin motz) -8
de Ezcurra had the initiative for most of the match, but Lambert kept fighting back. The last decade consisted of de Ezcurra protecting the small lead he had built earlier.
Mano--Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas--Week 5
Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas, the premier doubles competition of the 2016-2017 Mano season, began December 2, 2016. 8 teams compete for the title. The first (league) phase is a double round robin (14 matches). The top 4 finishers will then face off in a single round robin (3 matches). The two winners will play in a final on April 9, 2017.
Asegarce Competition Page
Asegarce League phase table
ASPE League phase table
Wikipedia Competition Page (Castilian)
Full ongoing league phase table (with total points and differential):
Source for all match articles, unless otherwise specifically stated, is 21iguales.com 21iguales.com will also keep an ongoing phase table at its main Parejas site and with every match article.
Match linescores will be provided from match articles when available. Full match linescores can be found at 21iguales.com Twitter feed. Track back to the date and match and follow from beginning to end. The feed is also available at the Main site of 21iguales.com while the matches are in progress.
Source for all highlights and full match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, is EITB.
Week 1; Week 2; Week 3; Week 4;
Week 5
December 30, 2016
A. Etxeberri Municipal (1)(2): Bengoetxea VI-Larunbe defeated Elezkano II-Zabaleta 22-18
Match article with statistics and linescore
With Bengoetxea VI leading the way with +13 -2 B-L built leads of 8-3 and 19-13. Then they held off an E-Z rally to win. B-L were hampered by 8 Larunbe errors. B-L 2-3 (+1) E-Z 2-3 (-1)..
Match highlights (EITB)
Full match video (match begins at 55 minutes, 45 seconds on the video)
December 31, 2016
B. Bizkaia, Bilbo (Bilbao) (1)(2): Irribaria-Rezusta defeated Urrutikoetxea-Imaz 22-21.
Match article with statistics and linescore
In a great match with 3 lead changes, I-R came back the last time, from almost certain defeat (19-21) to win by the mininum. U-I are now 1-2 as a team after U-Berioz began at 0-2. Imaz is a powerful striker of the ball who can return it with ease from the far reaches of the court. U-I are in a very deep hole in this competition, but they are by no means out of it. I-R are playing fabulous Mano at the moment. I-R 5-0 (+5) U-I 1-4 (-2)
Match highlights
Full Match video (match begins at 1:23:37 on the video)
January 1, 2017
C. Astelena, Eibar (1)(2): Altuna III-Barriola defeated Ezkurdia-Merino II 22-18.
Match article with statistics and linescore
Altuna III returned after 4 weeks out with a knee injury and immediately made his presence felt. E-M were ahead 10-4 when the match was delayed by Barriola becoming sick to his stomach. When he returned, A-B kicked their game into high gear, outscoring E-M 18-8. Altuna III led all scorers with +13 in an a battle of attrition that consumed 675 balls in play and lasted a little short of an hour and a half. A-B 2-3 (+1) E-M 2-3 (-1)
Match highlights
Full match video (match begins at 55:22 on the video).
January 2, 2017
D. Beotibar, Tolosa (1)(2): Oliazola II-Untoria defeated Victor (substituting for Artola)-Albisu 22-9
Match article with statistics and linescore (Deia)
A 9-0 run took the score from 8-6 to 17-6 and O-U cruised home from there. 12 V-A errors, including several errors in attack by Victor made O-U's day easier. O-U 3-2 (+1). A-A 3-2 (-1).
Match highlights
Match highlights (21iguales.com) (5 selected points)
Asegarce Competition Page
Asegarce League phase table
ASPE League phase table
Wikipedia Competition Page (Castilian)
Full ongoing league phase table (with total points and differential):
Source for all match articles, unless otherwise specifically stated, is 21iguales.com 21iguales.com will also keep an ongoing phase table at its main Parejas site and with every match article.
Match linescores will be provided from match articles when available. Full match linescores can be found at 21iguales.com Twitter feed. Track back to the date and match and follow from beginning to end. The feed is also available at the Main site of 21iguales.com while the matches are in progress.
Source for all highlights and full match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, is EITB.
Week 1; Week 2; Week 3; Week 4;
Week 5
December 30, 2016
A. Etxeberri Municipal (1)(2): Bengoetxea VI-Larunbe defeated Elezkano II-Zabaleta 22-18
Match article with statistics and linescore
With Bengoetxea VI leading the way with +13 -2 B-L built leads of 8-3 and 19-13. Then they held off an E-Z rally to win. B-L were hampered by 8 Larunbe errors. B-L 2-3 (+1) E-Z 2-3 (-1)..
Match highlights (EITB)
Full match video (match begins at 55 minutes, 45 seconds on the video)
December 31, 2016
B. Bizkaia, Bilbo (Bilbao) (1)(2): Irribaria-Rezusta defeated Urrutikoetxea-Imaz 22-21.
Match article with statistics and linescore
In a great match with 3 lead changes, I-R came back the last time, from almost certain defeat (19-21) to win by the mininum. U-I are now 1-2 as a team after U-Berioz began at 0-2. Imaz is a powerful striker of the ball who can return it with ease from the far reaches of the court. U-I are in a very deep hole in this competition, but they are by no means out of it. I-R are playing fabulous Mano at the moment. I-R 5-0 (+5) U-I 1-4 (-2)
Match highlights
Full Match video (match begins at 1:23:37 on the video)
January 1, 2017
C. Astelena, Eibar (1)(2): Altuna III-Barriola defeated Ezkurdia-Merino II 22-18.
Match article with statistics and linescore
Altuna III returned after 4 weeks out with a knee injury and immediately made his presence felt. E-M were ahead 10-4 when the match was delayed by Barriola becoming sick to his stomach. When he returned, A-B kicked their game into high gear, outscoring E-M 18-8. Altuna III led all scorers with +13 in an a battle of attrition that consumed 675 balls in play and lasted a little short of an hour and a half. A-B 2-3 (+1) E-M 2-3 (-1)
Match highlights
Full match video (match begins at 55:22 on the video).
January 2, 2017
D. Beotibar, Tolosa (1)(2): Oliazola II-Untoria defeated Victor (substituting for Artola)-Albisu 22-9
Match article with statistics and linescore (Deia)
A 9-0 run took the score from 8-6 to 17-6 and O-U cruised home from there. 12 V-A errors, including several errors in attack by Victor made O-U's day easier. O-U 3-2 (+1). A-A 3-2 (-1).
Match highlights
Match highlights (21iguales.com) (5 selected points)
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Pala--La Liga Kutxabank--Semi-final and independent non-league match
La Liga Kutxabank competition began on October 29, 2016 at Bizkaia Fronton, Bilbo (Bilbao) (1)(2). This tournament includes the entire InnPala roster, divided into 5 teams which will participate in a double round robin League competition, followed by a semi-final between the 2nd and 3rd place teams. The winner will face the League winner in a final on January 7th, 2017. Most of the matches will be at Bizkaia. There will also be matches at Sopela and Gallarta. For more on the tournament see the tournament page at InnPala.
Week 1--October 29, 2016
Week 2--November 5, 2016
Week 3--November 12, 2016
Week 4--November 19, 2016
Week 5--November 25-26, 2016
Week 6--December 2-3, 2016
Week 7--December 10, 2016
Week 1--October 29, 2016
Week 2--November 5, 2016
Week 3--November 12, 2016
Week 4--November 19, 2016
Week 5--November 25-26, 2016
Week 6--December 2-3, 2016
Week 7--December 10, 2016
Week 9--December 23, 2016
Semi-final (Source for all scoring information and match video: EITB)
December 30, 2016
Necol-Ibargarai defeated Fusto-Gordon 3-1 (9-10, 10-7, 10-9, 10-8)
Match article (InnPala Fronton Facebook page). Auto translate may be available.
Statement of Iker Gordon and Fusto response (InnPala Fronton Facebook page). Auto translate may be available.
Full match video (match begins at 1 hour, 6 minutes, 48 seconds on the recording.
Scoring: Necol +13 -12; Ibargarai +9 -8 --- Fusto +11 -9; Gordon +3 -8
N-I 39 F-G 34
499 balls in play
Necol 110; Ibargari 141 --- Fusto 159; Gordon 89
Time of the match: 1:03:19
Individual joko (set) linescores (winner of the match always listed 1st).
Joko 1: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; 3-2; 4-2; 4-3; 4-4; 5-4; 5-5; 5-6; 6-6; 6-7; 6-8; 7-8; 8-8; 9-8; 9-9; 9-10 (F-G 1-0)
Joko 2: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 1-3; 2-3; 3-3; 4-3; 5-3; 6-3; 6-4; 6-5; 7-5; 8-5; 8-6; 8-7; 9-7; 10-7 (1-1).
Joko 3: 1-0; 2-0; 2-1; 2-2; 3-2; 3-3; 3-4; 3-5; 4-5; 5-5; 5-6; 6-6; 7-6; 7-7; 7-8; 7-9; 8-9; 9-9; 10-9 (N-I 2-1)
Joko 4: 0-1; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2; 2-3; 2-4; 3-4; 3-5; 3-6; 4-6; 5-6; 6-6; 7-6; 8-6; 9-6; 9-7; 9-8; 10-8 (N-I 3-1)
The match was tied 18 times. The lead changed hands 12 times (J1-4, J2-1, J3-4, J4-3). The largest lead by either team was 3 points. These are measures of how close a match is. Though N-I won in 4 jokos, it could have easily gone the other way. The key turning points came in the Jokos 3 and 4. F-G couldn't hold a 9-7 lead in the former. In the latter N-I turned a 3-6 deficit into a 9-6 lead with the biggest run either team had in the match. After that F-G fought back, but a Gordon service fault at 9-8 ended their tournament. Gordon felt so bad about the defeat that he issued a public apology. Fusto (see above) was having none of it. And he was correct. In Iker Gordon's first professional tournament, he came within inches of going to a final. In addition, after a very slow start (0-2 in matches, 1-6 in jokos), F-G finished 5-1 (16-9). They finished the tournament 5-4 (18-18). N-I move on to the final on January 7. They are now 4-5 (20-20). They face League champions Gaubeka--Ibai-Perez (6-2 (21-15)). F-G will play Zubiri-Brefel in the preliminary 3rd place match. Finally, one of the highlights of the match was the dual in front between Fusto and Necol during the last 3 points of Joko 3 (1:53:07-1:55:11 on the video). Two power hitters bashing it out like a couple of heavyweight boxers. What a show they put on!
On November 12, 2016 G-I defeated N-I 3-2 (10-4, 10-9, 4-10, 6-10, 10-3)
Full match video
On December 23 2016, at Gallarta, G-I defeated N-I 3-1 (10-5, 10-8, 8-10, 10-7).
===============================
The first match of the evening was an independent match.
Landeta-Imanol defeated Zubiri--Ibai-Perez 3-1 (10-8, 7-10, 10-9, 10-7).
This is the first match on the full match video linked to the semi-final.
L-I stayed together in this match, winning their 3rd in their last 4 (including an upset victory over the League champions). Their only loss was a last ditch effort 3-2 win by Fusto-Gordon in the final League match last week.
Scoring: Landeta +10 -11; Imanol +10 -10 --- Zubiri +7 -10; Ibai-Perez +6 -7
L-I 37 Z-I 34
664 balls in play
Landeta 167; Imanol 166 --- Zubiri 179 Ibai-Perez 152
Time of the match: 1:03:24
Watch the speed of Zubiri and Landeta. Then compare to the power game of Necol and Fusto.
============================
Table of wins and losses for the 2016-2017 season.
Key: Player, Position (d=delantero (front court), z=zaguero (back court)) match wins-losses, joko (set) wins-losses, winning-losing streak, championships won. Matches that are single partidos will be noted. Table will be according to match winning percentage. 1st tie breaker will be number of wins. 2nd tie breaker will be joko win-loss differential.
December 30, 2016
Gaubeka(d)..6-2....21-15..+1*
Fusto(d).......5-4....18-18....-1
Zubiri(d)......5-5...21-17....-1*
Necol(d).......4-6...20-23....+1
Landeta(d)...3-6...15-22....+1
Ibai-Perez(z)..6-3....22-18...-1*
Ibargari(z).....5-5.....23-20..+1
Gordon(z).....5-5....18-21....-1
Brefel(z)........4-4....17-14...+1
Imanol(z).......3-6....15-22...+1*
Includes Dec. 30, 2016 independent match: Landeta-Imanol defeated Zuberi--Ibai-Perez 3-1 (10-8, 7-10, 10-9, 10-7) at Bizkaia.
*Does not include the result of Nov.25, 2016 independent match Gaubeka--Ibai-Perez v Zubiri-Imanol. The result is unknown at this time. I will add it when I find it.
Includes Nov. 19, 2016 independent match: Zuberi-Ibargari defeated Necol-Gordon 3-0 (10-8, 10-3, 10-9) at Bizkaia.
For cumulative accounting of this player table see the InnPala Player win-loss table under the Pala page on the right side of the blog.
Semi-final (Source for all scoring information and match video: EITB)
December 30, 2016
Necol-Ibargarai defeated Fusto-Gordon 3-1 (9-10, 10-7, 10-9, 10-8)
Match article (InnPala Fronton Facebook page). Auto translate may be available.
Statement of Iker Gordon and Fusto response (InnPala Fronton Facebook page). Auto translate may be available.
Full match video (match begins at 1 hour, 6 minutes, 48 seconds on the recording.
Scoring: Necol +13 -12; Ibargarai +9 -8 --- Fusto +11 -9; Gordon +3 -8
N-I 39 F-G 34
499 balls in play
Necol 110; Ibargari 141 --- Fusto 159; Gordon 89
Time of the match: 1:03:19
Individual joko (set) linescores (winner of the match always listed 1st).
Joko 1: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; 3-2; 4-2; 4-3; 4-4; 5-4; 5-5; 5-6; 6-6; 6-7; 6-8; 7-8; 8-8; 9-8; 9-9; 9-10 (F-G 1-0)
Joko 2: 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 1-3; 2-3; 3-3; 4-3; 5-3; 6-3; 6-4; 6-5; 7-5; 8-5; 8-6; 8-7; 9-7; 10-7 (1-1).
Joko 3: 1-0; 2-0; 2-1; 2-2; 3-2; 3-3; 3-4; 3-5; 4-5; 5-5; 5-6; 6-6; 7-6; 7-7; 7-8; 7-9; 8-9; 9-9; 10-9 (N-I 2-1)
Joko 4: 0-1; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2; 2-3; 2-4; 3-4; 3-5; 3-6; 4-6; 5-6; 6-6; 7-6; 8-6; 9-6; 9-7; 9-8; 10-8 (N-I 3-1)
The match was tied 18 times. The lead changed hands 12 times (J1-4, J2-1, J3-4, J4-3). The largest lead by either team was 3 points. These are measures of how close a match is. Though N-I won in 4 jokos, it could have easily gone the other way. The key turning points came in the Jokos 3 and 4. F-G couldn't hold a 9-7 lead in the former. In the latter N-I turned a 3-6 deficit into a 9-6 lead with the biggest run either team had in the match. After that F-G fought back, but a Gordon service fault at 9-8 ended their tournament. Gordon felt so bad about the defeat that he issued a public apology. Fusto (see above) was having none of it. And he was correct. In Iker Gordon's first professional tournament, he came within inches of going to a final. In addition, after a very slow start (0-2 in matches, 1-6 in jokos), F-G finished 5-1 (16-9). They finished the tournament 5-4 (18-18). N-I move on to the final on January 7. They are now 4-5 (20-20). They face League champions Gaubeka--Ibai-Perez (6-2 (21-15)). F-G will play Zubiri-Brefel in the preliminary 3rd place match. Finally, one of the highlights of the match was the dual in front between Fusto and Necol during the last 3 points of Joko 3 (1:53:07-1:55:11 on the video). Two power hitters bashing it out like a couple of heavyweight boxers. What a show they put on!
On November 12, 2016 G-I defeated N-I 3-2 (10-4, 10-9, 4-10, 6-10, 10-3)
Full match video
On December 23 2016, at Gallarta, G-I defeated N-I 3-1 (10-5, 10-8, 8-10, 10-7).
===============================
The first match of the evening was an independent match.
Landeta-Imanol defeated Zubiri--Ibai-Perez 3-1 (10-8, 7-10, 10-9, 10-7).
This is the first match on the full match video linked to the semi-final.
L-I stayed together in this match, winning their 3rd in their last 4 (including an upset victory over the League champions). Their only loss was a last ditch effort 3-2 win by Fusto-Gordon in the final League match last week.
Scoring: Landeta +10 -11; Imanol +10 -10 --- Zubiri +7 -10; Ibai-Perez +6 -7
L-I 37 Z-I 34
664 balls in play
Landeta 167; Imanol 166 --- Zubiri 179 Ibai-Perez 152
Time of the match: 1:03:24
Watch the speed of Zubiri and Landeta. Then compare to the power game of Necol and Fusto.
============================
Table of wins and losses for the 2016-2017 season.
Key: Player, Position (d=delantero (front court), z=zaguero (back court)) match wins-losses, joko (set) wins-losses, winning-losing streak, championships won. Matches that are single partidos will be noted. Table will be according to match winning percentage. 1st tie breaker will be number of wins. 2nd tie breaker will be joko win-loss differential.
December 30, 2016
Gaubeka(d)..6-2....21-15..+1*
Fusto(d).......5-4....18-18....-1
Zubiri(d)......5-5...21-17....-1*
Necol(d).......4-6...20-23....+1
Landeta(d)...3-6...15-22....+1
Ibai-Perez(z)..6-3....22-18...-1*
Ibargari(z).....5-5.....23-20..+1
Gordon(z).....5-5....18-21....-1
Brefel(z)........4-4....17-14...+1
Imanol(z).......3-6....15-22...+1*
Includes Dec. 30, 2016 independent match: Landeta-Imanol defeated Zuberi--Ibai-Perez 3-1 (10-8, 7-10, 10-9, 10-7) at Bizkaia.
*Does not include the result of Nov.25, 2016 independent match Gaubeka--Ibai-Perez v Zubiri-Imanol. The result is unknown at this time. I will add it when I find it.
Includes Nov. 19, 2016 independent match: Zuberi-Ibargari defeated Necol-Gordon 3-0 (10-8, 10-3, 10-9) at Bizkaia.
For cumulative accounting of this player table see the InnPala Player win-loss table under the Pala page on the right side of the blog.
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