Basque Pelota Updates (June 2016-April 2017); 2019-

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Mano--Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas--2018-2019--Week 12

B. Urrutikoetxea out indefintely with a left hand injury (Baikopilota (formerly Asegarce))--February 12: Urrutikoetxea to return to action Week 13, has been out since January 18. (baikopilota)

February 10, 2019

Week 12 featured the top 3 teams all losing, Ezkurdia personally making sure that his Championship defense would live for another week, and Bengoetxea VI-Imaz being rudely eliminated from contention by foot of the table Victor (substituting for Urrutikoetxia)-Arretxabaleta.

Ogueta, Vitoria-Gasteiz (1) (2)

Artola-Mariezkurrena II (7-5 +13) 22 Arteaga II (substituting for Oliazola II)-Albisu ( 7-5 +9) 15 (EITB--match begins at 1:14:17)

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (including, scoring, balls in play)

Baikopilota links to three newspaper match articles

A-M solidified their position in the fight for a semi-final berth with this win, but it was hardly a thing of beauty. 22 year old Asier Arteaga (Arteaga II) was rushed into the big show from the Promotion League (where his team was 2-3) to replace the irreplaceable: Oliazola II. It was expected that he would have a challenging first match, especially with so much riding on the outcome. He was +2 -8. That, in combination with a truly bad day at the office by Albisu (+1 -11) meant that A-M had only to score 3 points on their own. But they didn't play that well either (+3 -12). So for the match both teams total score was +6 -31. But it isn't necessarily about artistry, it's about winning. O-A have lost their last 3 matches by 66-40 and are now in danger of falling out of the Semi-Final picture altogether. And the road doesn't get easier for them,with their last 2 matches against top of the table Elezkano II-Rezusta and Irribarria-Zabaleta (who both lost this week--see below). As for A-M, their next opponents are Altuna III-Martija (6-6) who will be brimming with confidence after hammering E-R this week (see below). As for this match, A-M established an early 10-2 lead and simply surfed home on the wave of their opponents' errors, making enough of their own so that the final score was respectable.

February 9, 2019

Labrit, Iruna (Pamplona) (1) (2)

Altuna III-Martija (6-6 -7) 22 Elezkano II-Rezusta (9-3 +52) 8 (EITB: match begins at 59:49)

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (incl. linescore, scoring, balls in play (Deia))

More accurate scoring (baikopilota (formerly Asegarce))

E-R's 6 match winning streak came to an abrupt end as they were crushed by A-M. The loss also put a small dent in their point differential. However, due to losses by their their two closest competitors, they lost no ground and now lead the League phase by 2 games with 3 to play. Elezkano had an unexpectedly poor day (+2 -8). Altuna III had a very good day (+10 -2). In essence, that was the story of the match. The sub-story is, of course, Altuna III. If he continues to play well and A-M can win their crucial match against Artola-Marriezkurrena II this week, they will close against recently eliminated Bengoetxea VI-Imaz with a chance at an 8-6 finish, which might be enough to get them into the Semi-Finals. As far as this match goes, A-M never allowed E-R to get into the match. They started with a 6-1 run and increased their lead from there. E-R finish the League phase with Victor (substituting for Oliazola II)-Albisu and tail enders Urrutikoetxea-Arretxabaleta, so they have a good chance win the League sooner rather than later.

Feburary 8, 2019

Izarraitz, Azpeitia (1) (2)

Ezkurdia-L. Galarza (5-7 -13) 22 Irribaria-Zabaleta 21 (7-5 +44) (EITB: match begins at 1:05:50--Basque)

Fronton TV Youtube (Castilian)

Highlights (1st half of video)

Match article (incl. linescore, scoring, balls in play)

Ezkurdia showed why he is a defending Champion and kept his team's faint hopes alive by scoring the last three points (consuming 28, 17, and 27 balls in play) to overcome an 19-21 deficit. I couldn't find any scoring that added up to the final totals. But Ezkurdia had 5 service aces and either 9+ or 10+ in play (+14 or +15 total), towering over everyone. A 6-0 run led to an 8-4 E-G lead, but then a 10-2 I-Z run put them 4 points in the lead. They maintained that until 16-20. But then, with the match almost won by I-Z, E-R, aided by Ezkurdia's great finish, ended the match with a 6-1 run. The loss dropped I-Z into a 3 way tie for 2nd place in the League phase. E-G must win out and hope for a lot of help, while I-Z finish with tail enders Urrutikoetxea-Arretxabaleta and the depleted Victor (substituting for Oliazola II)-Albisu. All in all, a very interesting week awaits fans of this Competition.

----------

Ereta, Tafalla (1) (2)

Victor (substituting for Urrutikoetxea)-Aretxabaleta (3-9 -55) 22 Bengoetxea VI-Imaz (4-8 -43) 15. B-I eliminated from Semi-finals

There is no full match video for this match at this time.

Highlights (2nd half of video)

Match article (incl. correct scoring) (Baikopilota (formerly Asegarce)

Match article (21Iguales)

The week's play began with the tail enders in the competition breaking a 5 match losing streak, heavily aided by Victor's excellent play (+13 -3). Bengoetxea VI played after his side strain last week and was +7 -7. I was unable to find a linescore and so know little about the progress of the match. B-I's Semi-Final prospects were dashed by their 4th loss in the last 5 matches. With Urrutikoetxea expected back for the last two matches of the League phase, he and Aretxabaleta could play a spoiler role against Irribaria-Zabaleta, but their match with Elezkano-Rezusta to finish the phase will be little more than academic.

Main Nue--FFPB Championnat de France Pro Individuel--Liguilla Round 2--February 9, 11 2019

The 2019 FFPB (Federation Francais de Pelote Basque) Championnat de France Pro Individuel Tournament began on January 4, and will end on March 3, 2019. For the third consecutive year, there are two competitions, Group A and Group B. 21 players are involved. FFPB has provided a "dossier" (.pdf format, 7p.) explaining how the tournament works and who the players in each group are. This is a seeded ladder knock out tournament with qualification and league rounds, leading to the final.

The Players:

Player profiles at Esku Pilota

Group A: Peio Larralde (front); Matthieu Ospital (front); Baptiste Ducassou (back); Bixinto Bilbao (back); Augusti Waltery (front); Ximun Lambert (back); Peio Guichandut (back); Vincent Elgart (front); Julien Etchegary (front); Ion Iturbe (back); and Anton Monce (front)

Last year's finalists: Larralde and Ospital have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)

Group B: Pascal de Ezcurra (back); Laurent Lambert (front); Alexis Inchauspe (front); Mickael Palomes (back); Gregory Aguirre (front); Cedric Lucu (back); Bixente (Vincent) Cubiat (back); Mattin Olcomendy (front); Mickael Darmendrail (front)

de Ezcurra and Lambert have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)
-------------------------------------

Previous Championships:

Complete coverage of the 2018 Championship was provided by FFPB:

Results
Brief Match Articles and Photos

More detailed articles and selected match videos were provided by Pilota Ttiki. When videos are available they are linked at the bottom of the article.

Beginning January 9 and "suivant" at the bottom of the article until you reach other tournament articles. The tournament ended on February 25 (A) and February 27 (B) (Note that not all articles you will link to are articles about this tournament).

Twenty 2018 FFPB Championnat de France Elite Pro condensed full match videos are available via Pilota Ttiki Youtube. Scroll to or find "Championnat Individuel" or "Liguilla" (without the quotes).

Finals:
Group A: Larralde 40 Ospital 18
Match article and link to full match video

Group B: Iturbe 40 L. Lambert 27
Match article and link to full match video

2017 Tournament complete coverage (match articles and available videos)

Finals:
Group A: Ducassou 40 Ospital 27
Group B: Etchegaray 40 Elgart 21

2016 Full Tournament Results: Final: Larralde 40 Ducassou 22
2015 Full Tournament Results: Final Ducassou 40 Larralde 21 (pelotelive.free.fr)

-------------------------------------

Play in Round (January 4-7, 2019) Qualification Round Seeded Matches (January 12-14); January 19; January 26

Liguilla: February 2; February 3; February 9; February 11; February 15, February 17

Finals: February 25--Group B; March 3--Group A

-------------------------------------

Liguilla Round 2

Note: All match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, are condensed full match videos (usually between 15 and 40 minutes).

Injury report: Bixento Bilbao had to forfeit his match to Mathieu Ospital (27-22--see below) due to a shoulder injury which will put him out of the rest of the competition. (Pilota Ttiki)

February 11, 2019

Le Garat, Donibane Garazi (St. Jean Pied-de-Port) (1) (2)

Group A

Ducassou (#3) (back) (1-0 +3) 40 Larralde (#1) (front) (1-1 +9) 37 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Info Garazi Youtube (a good "feel" for the game, not all points, but a different, subjective view

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

6-6; 6-14; 14-14; 18-24; 20-30; 21-33; 27-33; 31-36; 36-36; 40-37

Group A: Front 3-3 Back 3-3

This was the marquee match of the Championship so far. What looked like a packed trinquet watched an intense match between, arguably, the best back court and front court players in the modality. Both players used the entire court, endlessly sprinting back and forth to save points. Their shot making abilities are well known and neither disappointed in that department. By my count Ducassou had 15 direct points, including the winning point (10 in the side mesh, and 5 in the back dugout, 2 in the side from behind his opponent). Larralde had 9 (3 in the back). But that isn't the only way to score. Larralde had several brilliant front bevel caroms and passing shots. On the 39-36 point, he actually did a one leg right wall climb (a la Jai Alai) to save a point from deep in the back. Ducassou was his usual relentless self, battling back from 6-14 and 21-33 (a 19-4 run...19-4 against Larralde!). He has amazing power from the deep moving away off the back foot, and kept many points going that way. Larralde is quicker than anyone I have seen and can move from the back of the court to the front in a flash. As he always does, he retrieved balls on the full sprint (at times diving) that seemed impossible. In short, if you want to see Main Nue played at its zenith, watch this match. I, for one, would love to see a rematch on March 3 in the Final. Of course, Matthieu Ospital will have something to say about that.

Group B

Inchauspe (#3) (front) (1-1 -3) 40 de Ezcurra (#1) (front) (1-1 -8) 28 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

0-5; 1-12; 16-16; 19-19; 20-20; 21-21; 22-22; 26-26; 40-28

Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)

Match article for both matches (FFPB)

Say one thing about Inchauspe. He is nothing if not resilient. After being badly beaten by L. Lambert in Round 1, he began this match down 12-1. At that point he could have folded up his tent and started plans for his next tournament. But that isn't what happened. In the first 13 points de Ezcurra played extremely well, terminating points early with great shot making. But Inchauspe fought and slowly clawed his way back into the match. A 15-4 run got him to the first of at least 6 equalities in the match. At 26-26, the old veteran ran out of fuel, and Inchauspe won going away. Both players are now 1-1. Whoever wins in the 3rd Round goes to the Final.

February 9, 2019

Trinquet Berria, Hasparren--Trinquet (old and new) (1) (2) Hasparren

Group A:

Ospital (#2) (front) (1-0 +5(?)) 27 Bilbao (#4) (back) (0-2 -17(?) 22 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube). Bilbao forfeited the match and is out for the rest of the competition. It is unknown whether point differentials are correct.

Selected linescore (winners always listed first):

15-5; 15-19; 19-19; 27-22

Group A: Front 3-2; Back 2-3

This was shaping up to be a very interesting match when Bilbao had to retire with a shoulder injury that will end his participation in this Championship. The match began with a big run by both players, and Ospital was in the midst of another run when it ended. Ospital has two matches left, against Larralde and Ducassou, so his fate is in his own hands. If he beats them he is in the final. Easier said than done.

Group B:

Palomes (#4) (back) (1-1 -3) 40 L. Lambert (#1) (front) (1-1 +14) 39 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Partial linescore (winner always listed first):

20-20; 35-35; 35-38; 39-39; 40-39

Group B: Back 2-1; Front 1-2

Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)

Match article for both matches (FFPB)

This was an exciting match, hard fought throughout. Watching Palomes' serves brings back memories of Iker Irribarria when he first burst on the Mano scene in 2016. Palomes' high deep booming serves are a wonder to watch. The pelota says "Meet Mikael's hand, see the Basque Country." In a match he had to win, Palomes came back from 35-38 and stay alive in the hunt for a berth in the Final. The winning point came on a serve so high and deep that it might never come down. But it did, smashing down on the back dugout roof and rebounding far past Lambert. The win leaves both these players at 1-1 in the Liguilla phase. The Round 3 winner advances to the final.

---------------------

Liguilla Round 3 upcoming matches

February 15:

Hasparren

Group A: Larralde (#1) (front (1-1- +9) v Ospital (#2) (front) (1-0 (+5?))

Group B: de Ezcurra (#1) (front) (1-1 -8) v L. Lambert (#2) (front) (1-1 +14)

February 17

Trinquet Moderne, Baiona (Bayonne)

Group A: Ducassou (#3) (back) (1-0 +3) will not play v Bilbao (#4) (back) (0-2 -17(?)) or a substitute. Instead there will be an "amicale": Etchegaray-X. Lambert v Monce-Iturbe. It is unknown whether Ducassou will be credited with a victory over Bilbao or not

Group B: Inchauspe (#3) (front) (1-1 -3) v Palomes (#4) (back) (1-1 -3)

Monday, February 11, 2019

Jai Alai/Cesta Punta--Obituary--Angel Ugarte--1926-2019

Angel Ugarte "Txantxangorri", one of the players who came to the US in the 1950s, passed away in early February at the age of 93. He was born in Sao Paulo Brazil on November 10, 1926. He played his first Jai Alai in the Canary Islands, then played at Zaragoza, and Mallorca (photos of the frontons, not Ugarte). He played in the States from about 1951-1965 at Miami (fronton from the outside in the 1950s), West Palm Beach, and Daytona Beach. He won two championships at West Palm Beach. He gained notoriety later in life as one of the interviewees in the film Jai Alai Blues (Hollywood Reporter). He lived his final years in the South Basque Country.

Jai Alai News Facebook page via manista.com

Mano--Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas--2018-2019--Week 11

Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas, the premier doubles competition of the 2018-2019 Mano season, began November 23, 2018. 8 teams will compete for the title. The first (league) phase is a double round robin (14 matches). The top 4 finishers will face off in a single round robin (3 matches). The two winners will play in a final on April 7, 2019.

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.

This table is the most up to date of any I've found.

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.

At present, EITB is providing all highlights, in chronological order:

We begin at Week 7 as that was when the 2019 calendar year began. Coverage of the first six weeks is available at 21Iguales.com, and the Baiko Pilota (formerly Asegarce and ASPE websites. Full match video coverage of all available matches can be found at EITB.

For all available full match videos

"buscar" (search--top right side of page): "binakako" (without the quotes). Look for "2019 Binakako Txapelketa." Matches are usually the second or first match on the video.

Full match videos of earlier finals going back to 2000:

"buscar" "Binakako Txapelketako finalak" (without the quotes)

Selected full match videos before 2000:

"buscar" "Gure bideoteka" (without the quotes) and scroll until you find them.

For complete print and video coverage of the 2016-17 competition

Links to all matches available (by week).

--------------------------------------

Week 7; Week 8; Week 9; Week 10; Week 11; Week 12; Week 13; Week 14; Semi-final Round 1; Semi-final Round 2; Semi-final Round 3;

Final

--------------------------------------

Week 11

February 3, 2019

Bizkaia, Bilbo (Bilbao) (1) (2)

Altuna III-Martija (5-6 -21) 22 Victor (substituting for Urrutikoetxea) Arretxabaleta (2-8 -62) 14 (EITB--match begins at 1:08:30)

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, scoring)

Desparate to keep their playoff hopes alive, A-M won a match they had to win against the foot of the table team, U-A. Victor substituted for Urrutikoetxea this week and it is unknown when/or if Urruti. will return to this competition. The win was not an easy one as V-A fought back from an 8-3 deficit to lead 13-10, but that was as far as they could go, with A-M answering with a 12-1 run, including the last 9 points of the game. Altuna made only 2 errors, Victor 9. That was basically the difference. For the U-A team, which has now used Laso and Victor as substitutes, it was their 5th consecutive loss.

February 2, 2019

Igarando, Idiazabal (1) (2)

Ezkurdia-L. Galarza (4-7 -16) 22 Oliazola II-Albisu (7-4 +16) 11 (no match video available at this time)

Partial linescore: (winners always listed 1st) (El Correo, 21Igulaes, and EITB match highlights)

3-1; 7-2; 8-5(?); 12-8; 14-8; 18-9; 22-11

Partial scoring: Albisu -3

Highlights (EITB) (2nd half of the video)

Match article (El Correo)
Match article (21Iguales)

Both teams had all to play for in this match. O-A still had hopes of catching Elezkano-Rezusta, even after their disappointing loss to Bengoetxea VI-Imaz last week. For E-G, every game is a knockout game; they must win out to have any chance at a semi-final berth. On this occasion, according to both match articles, they simply outplayed O-A. They jumped to a 7-2 lead and never really looked back, stretching their lead to 6 and then 9 points to win going away. O-A have lost their last two matches by 44-25, but still have a bit of a cushion in their quest for the semi's. But this is a very bad time to go into a slump. As for E-G, they will meet Irribarria-Zabaleta next week in another elimination match. But remember, Ezkurdia (and his partner Zabaleta) last year were 3-5 at one point and finished 8-6 to make the semi-finals. Once there they won the Championship.

-------

Labrit, Iruna (Pamplona) (1) (2)

Irribarria-Zabaleta (7-4 +45) 22 Artola-Mariezkurrena II (6-5 +6) 15 (EITB--match begins at 54:50).

Highlights (EITB) (1st half of the video)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, scoring)

This was the marquee match of the week, in front of a large crowd at Labrit. Both teams still had aspirations of catching Elezkano-Rezusta for League honors coming in. In the end, early (5-1) and late (13-3) runs tipped the match to I-Z. Irribarria +11 and Zabaleta -0 showed the offense and defense needed for a deep post-season run for these two. Zabaleta is defending champion and Irribarria is a former champion (2017) in this competition. He is capable of dominating any match he participates in. A-M have won 4 of the last 6 games they have played together since a 22-6 loss to I-Z on December 14 (week 4). That will surely weigh on the minds of both teams should they make the semi-finals. As an aside, early in the match there was an interview with Juan Martinez de Irujo (1) (2), the great ex-front court player who retired from the circuit in 2017. I have always been a big fan of his, as he was one of the first great players who I learned the modality from. Talent, determination, and fire in the belly competitive instinct were his hallmarks. Championships were his coin of the realm. And he also liked playing Main Nue, where he was a very good back court man. I didn't understand a word of what he said, but he seemed relaxed and content. Esterrik Asko Juan.

February 1, 2019

Urduliz (1) (2)

Elezkano-Rezusta (9-2 +68) 22 Bengoetxea VI-Imaz (4-7 -36) (EITB--match begins at 54:46--Basque)

Fronton TV (Castilian)

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, scoring)

Unfortuately, the 21Iguales linescore was incorrect. The correct linescore was (winners always listed first):

0-1; 4-1; 4-2; 9-2; 9-4; 11-4; 11-6; 12-6; 12-7; 13-7; 13-8; 14-8; 14-9; 16-9; 16-15; 22-15

E-R won their 6th consecutive match (their last loss came on December 23--week 5--to Oliazola-Albisu), cementing their place at the top of the table, while pretty much eliminating B-I from semi-final contention. But the match was much tougher than the final score indicated. After opening a big 9-2 lead, E-R maintained that lead to 16-9. But then a 6 point run put B-I back in contention. After the 16-14--16-15 point, Bengoetxea VI had to sit down with what looked like a side strain. The match was delayed for a short time, and, as it turned out, that was the last point B-I scored. Bengoetxea VI finished the match but it remains to be seen if he will be able to play next week. Elezkano had a big day with +11 and Rezusta was his usual reliable self, -3. The win gives E-R a two game lead with three to play. It would take quite a collapse, with the point differential they have, for them to finish anywhere but first in the League phase.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Pala/Pala Larga--Sylvain Brefel to Retire from InnPala February 15, 2019

Sylvain Brefel, (1) (2) veteran InnPala zaguero (back court), has announced his retirment from professional Pala after 5 years with InnPala. The reason is the distance he must travel to play--about 1,000 km (about 620 miles round trip). He won three major championships while with Innpala. Last October, with Dan Necol, he won the Federation International Pelota Vasca (FIPV) Pala Corta Campeonato del Mundo Gold Medal, defeating Gaubeka-Skufca (Spain), in a brilliant final (10-15; 15-12; 10-8)

Full match video, (Toute sur la Pelote Basque Youtube, match begins at 21:23 on the video).

Match article (FIPV)

According to the Deia article announcing the retirement, the World Championship was the achievement of a lifelong sporting dream for Brefel. His power, hustle, and love of the game will be missed. It is the third back court retirement in the last three years, following Mikel Ayerbe (2016) and Imanol Ibanez (Mundo Deportivo) (2017). They were replaced by Iker Gordon (1) (2) and Inaki Urrutia (1) (2) respectively.

Interview with Brefel (Deia)

Video tribute produced by Dan Necol, along with other InnPala players and friends (Ligue Occitanie de Pelote Basque Facebook)

Brefel will be honored on February 15, at Bizkaia, Bilbo (Bilbao) on the day of the Mundial Individual Final.

Main Nue--FFPB Championnat de France Pro Individuel--Liguilla Round 1--Feburary 2-3, 2019

The 2019 FFPB (Federation Francais de Pelote Basque) Championnat de France Pro Individuel Tournament began on January 4, and will end on March 3, 2019. For the third consecutive year, there are two competitions, Group A and Group B. 21 players are involved. FFPB has provided a "dossier" (.pdf format, 7p.) explaining how the tournament works and who the players in each group are. This is a seeded ladder knock out tournament with qualification and league rounds, leading to the final.

The Players:

Player Profiles at Esku Pilota

Group A: Peio Larralde (front); Matthieu Ospital (front); Baptiste Ducassou (back); Bixinto Bilbao (back); Augusti Waltery (front); Ximun Lambert (back); Peio Guichandut (back); Vincent Elgart (front); Julien Etchegary (front); Ion Iturbe (back); and Anton Monce (front)

Last year's finalists: Larralde and Ospital have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)

Group B: Pascal de Ezcurra (back); Laurent Lambert (front); Alexis Inchauspe (front); Mickael Palomes (back); Gregory Aguirre (front); Cedric Lucu (back); Bixente (Vincent) Cubiat (back); Mattin Olcomendy (front); Mickael Darmendrail (front)

de Ezcurra and Lambert have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)
-------------------------------------

Previous Championships:

Complete coverage of the 2018 Championship was provided by FFPB:

Results
Brief Match Articles and Photos

More detailed articles and selected match videos were provided by Pilota Ttiki. When videos are available they are linked at the bottom of the article.

Beginning January 9 and "suivant" at the bottom of the article until you reach other tournament articles. The tournament ended on February 25 (A) and February 27 (B) (Note that not all articles you will link to are articles about this tournament).

Twenty 2018 FFPB Championnat de France Elite Pro condensed full match videos are available via Pilota Ttiki Youtube. Scroll to or find "Championnat Individuel" or "Liguilla" (without the quotes).

Finals:
Group A: Larralde 40 Ospital 18
Match article and link to full match video

Group B: Iturbe 40 L. Lambert 27
Match article and link to full match video

2017 Tournament complete coverage (match articles and available videos)

Finals:
Group A: Ducassou 40 Ospital 27
Group B: Etchegaray 40 Elgart 21

2016 Full Tournament Results: Final: Larralde 40 Ducassou 22
2015 Full Tournament Results: Final Ducassou 40 Larralde 21 (pelotelive.free.fr)

-------------------------------------

Play in Round (January 4-7, 2019) Qualification Round Seeded Matches (January 12-14); January 19; January 26

Liguilla: February 2; February 3; February 9; February 11; February 15, February 17

Finals: February 25--Group B; March 3--Group A

-------------------------------------

Liguilla Round 1

Note: All match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, are condensed full match videos (usually between 15 and 40 minutes).

February 3, 2019

Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle (1) (2)

Group A:

Ospital (#2) (seeded into Liguilla) (front) v Ducassou (3) (back) was postponed due to Ospital "mal de dos" (back pain) (Pilota Ttiki). The match will be played February 24 at this venue.

Group B:

L. Lambert (#2) (front) (seeded into Liguilla) (1-0 +15) ) 40 Inchauspe (#3) (front) (0-1 -15) 25 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

7-0; 17-4; 21-15; 22-21; 40-25

Match article (Pilota Ttiki)

Match article (FFPB)

In a wild back and forth match with huge runs (7-0, 10-4 by Lambert, 17-5 by Inchauspe, Lambert had the final say with a back breaking 18-4 run that won the game. As is often the case, the energy that Inchauspe had to use to get back in the game was too much to overcome in the end.

February 2, 2109

Trinquet Berria, Hasparren--Trinquet (old and new) (1) (2) Hasparren

Group A

Larralde (#1) (front) (seeded into Liguilla) (1-0 +12) 40 Bilbao (#4) (back) (0-1 -12) 28 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

5-3; 10-6; 20-11; 38-22; 38-28; 40-28

If you want to watch Peio Larralde at his very best, watch this match. He controlled this match completely from first point to last, despite a small 6-0 run by Bilbao that made things respectable. Larralde was too fast, too accurate, in front or back too everything. If he plays like this, he will be formidable for anyone.

Group A: Front 2-2; Back 2-2

Group B

de Ezcurra (#1) (front) (seeded into Liguilla) (1-0 +4) 40 Palomes (#4) (back) (0-1 -4) 36 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

7-7; 10-10; 13-17; 18-26; 22-29; 29-29; 36-36; 40-36

Match articles for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)

Match articles for both matches (FFPB)

The first three decades of this match belonged to Palomes. His high deep serves frustrated de Ezcurra and he had many excellent direct points. But then the wily old veteran, with an 11-3 run (and many direct shots of his own) equalized at 29 and then 36. After using all that energy to get back into the match, he closed his younger opponent out with two service aces, a right side passing shot, and a 2 wall filet direct point. This was the best BP match I saw during the week.

Group B: Front 2-1; Back 1-2

--------------------------------------------

Round 2 Liguilla

February 9:

Hasparren

Group A:
Ospital (#2) (front) (0-0 0) v Bilbao (#4) (back) (0-1 -12)
Group B:
L. Lambert (#2) (front) (1-0 +15) v Palomes (#4) (back) (0-1 -4)

February 11

Le Garat, Donibane Garazi (St. Jean Pied de Port)

Group A:
Larralde (#1) (front) (1-0 +12) v Ducassou (#3) (back) (0-0 0)
Group B:
de Ezcurra (#1) (front) (1-0 +4) v Inchauspe (#3) (front) (0-1 -15)

Mano--Binakako Txapelketako/Campionato Parejas--2018-2019--Week 10

January 27, 2019

Beotibar, Tolosa (1) (2)

Altuna III-Martija (4-6 -29) 22, Irribarria-Zabaleta (6-4 +38) 20 (EITB--match begins at 44:40

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, scoring)

This was the match of the week, not only in this competition, but in all of Basque Pelota. It featured 756 balls in play. Time of match 85:58: Winners = Errors +21 -21 (EITB). It was not the greatest artistically, but a titanic struggle with a controversial ending. Martija had 200 bip. More importantly, it kept A-M's chances at a playoff berth alive for another week. And dealt a blow to I-Z's chances at winning the League phase.

January 26, 2019

Markina-Xemien (1) (2)

Artola-Mariezkurrena II (6-4 +13) 22 Laso (substituting for Urrutikoetxea)-Arretxabaleta (2-8 -54) 11 (no full match video available)

Highlights (2nd half of highlights)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, and scoring)

A-M, gifted about half of their points by L-A errors, won easily. With Urrutikoetxea out indefinitely with a left hand injury, it is difficult to see how the U-A team could win a match the rest of the way.

Labrit, Iruna (Pamplona) (1) (2)

Bengoetxea VI-Imaz (4-6 -29) 22 Oliazola II-Albisu (7-3 +27) 14 (EITB--match begins at: 48:10)

Highlights (EITB) (1st half of highlights)

Match article (includes balls in play, linescore, and scoring)

The first upset of the week knocked O-A out of tie for the League lead and kept B-I's faint playoff hopes alive. O-A played poorly in a game they needed to win, gifting B-I 12 of their 22 points. Bengoetxea had an excellent game +9 -2.

January 25, 2019

Ugarte, Hendaia (1) (2)

Elezkano-Rezusta (8-2 +61) 22 Ezkurdia-L. Galarza (3-7 -27) 10 (EITB--match begins at 45:35)

Fronton TV (Castilian)

Final Point (21Iguales Twitter)

Highlights (EITB)

Match article (incl. balls in play, linescore, scoring)

The first point of the match was the best for E-G, as they took a 1-0 lead. After that, snowed under by 15 errors, they basically gave the match to a team that needed no such help. The loss pretty much ended any playoff hopes the E-G might have had. The win gave E-R a 1 game lead with 4 to play in the League phase.

Remonte--January 2019 Rankings and Leading Monthly Leaders along with Win-Loss Records

Oriamendi2010 Roster

Full January 2019 Rankings with ranking explanation

Historical monthly rankings back to July 2011

Leaders for January 2019 were

Group A: Etxarri (d front court) 38.43
Group B: Larranaga (z back court) 39.17

January was highlighted by Urriza's 3rd consecutive win in the Master Individual singles championship. It was also highlighted by two 5 match winning streaks, one by each of the rankings leaders. Etxarri's was broken near the end of the month, Larranaga's is alive as February begins. Arruarte (Group B back) seemed to have a lock on the January rankings lead until he lost his last match of the month, while Larranaga (back) teamed twice in a row with Segurola (front) to win their last two matches and supplant Arruarte at #1 and #2 respectively. Ion carried the heaviest load of anyone on the roster (see below).

2019 Leading Monthly Leaders:

Group A: Etxarri 1 (January)
Group A highest ranking: Etxarri 38.43

Group B: Larranaga 1 (January)
Group B highest ranking: Larranaga 39.17

-------------------------------------

Actual win-loss records for January, 2019

Remonte: (Galarreta matches only) monthly tables (wins-losses, points for and against, winning or losing streaks) (d-Delantro--Front z-Zaguero--Back *-d+z)--record will be kept by position). Tables are ordered by winning percentage. First tie-breaker is wins. Second tie breaker is point differential. Third tie breaker is point winning percentage.

Group A:

Tournament Championships:

Urriza: 1: Master Individual (January 10-26, 2019--2-0)

Etxarri(d)----6-1...231-186...+1
Uterga(d)----5-1...215-193...+1 (Master Singles--1-1--Sub-Campion)
Urriza(d)----3-2...172-157.....-1 (Master Singles--2-0--TXAPELDUN)
Zeberio II(d)--2-3..180-193..+1
Barricart(d)---1-3...101-133..+1
Urtasun(d)----0-3.....87-110...-3

Barrenetxea IV(z)...4-3...241-239..-2 (Master Singles--1-1)
Ion(z)-----------------4-3..256-265..+2
Agirrezabala(z)-----3-3...212-204...-2
Endika(z)-------------2-4..188-182...+1 (Master Singles--1-1)

Group B:

*Azpiroz(d)--------1-0...40-32.......+1
Segurola(d)---------4-1...157-134...+2
Goikoetxea V(d)---4-3...214-190...-1
Ezkurra II(d)--------2-2..138-136...+2 (Master Singles--0-1)
Ansa II(d)-----------2-3...172-171...-1
Aldabe(d)-----------2-3...131-137...-1
Benat(d)------------1-3...117-135.....-3
Juanenea(d)--------1-5...188-215....-4
*Labaka(d)---------0-1.....20-35......-1

Larranaga(z)---5-1...194-160...+5
Arruarte(z)-----5-2...237-188....-1
Zaldua(z)-------4-3...203-226...+2
*Azpiroz(z)----3-4...229-233...+2 (+3 overall) (Master Singles--0-1)
Zubiri(z)-------1-2.....76-86.......-2
*Labaka(z)----1-3.....90-120.....-3 (-4 overall)
Garces(z)------1-6..178-219......-3

In uneven pairings:

A 2-0; B 0-2
A-A 1-0; A-A-B 0-1
A-B 3-2; A-A 2-3
A-B 9-5; B-B 5-9

Heaviest load: Ion (4-3--256-265=521 points: 74.4 points per match)

For full coverage of Oramendi2010 Galarreta Thursday and Saturday matches, see the Remonte: Galarreta "STAR" matches page on the right side of the blog.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Remonte--IX Tourneo Master Individual--UTS Komunikazioa Final and Tournament results.

The IX Tourneo Master Individual was played from January 10-26, 2019 at Galaretta, Hernani (1)(2). It was the first major singles tournament of 2019. It was a seeded knock-out tournament featuring:

Endika (Oriamendi Group A back); Azpiroz (B back); Barrenetxea IV (A Back); Ezkurra II (B front); Urriza (seeded into Semi-final) (A front); and Uterga (seeded into Semi-Final) (A front)

Remonte player pages at Oriamendi2010.com

There is, at this time, no video coverage of the tournament.

Tourneo Information (Oriamendi: Word .doc 7p.)

Tourneo Information (Oriamendi)

EITB Introductory video

===========================

Previous winners:

I 2010-11: Ezkurra 30 San Miguel 26 match article (manista.com)
II 2011-12: Ezkurra 30 Irrutia I 28 (video highlights--Gallareta) (match article--Oriamendi2010)
III 2012-13: Urriza 30 San Miguel 18 (video highlights--Gallareta) (match article--Oriamendi2010)

IV 2013-14: Urriza 30, San Miguel 28 (match article--elremonte blog)
V 2014-15: Uterga 30 Endika 24 (match article--Oriamendi2010)
VI 2015-16: Uterga 30 Urriza 27 (full match video--EITB) (match article--Oriamendi2010)

VII 2016-17: Urriza 30 Endika 24 (full coverage of semi's and finals including match articles and full match video of final (EITB) Full coverage is also available via the Remonte "Galaretta Star Matches" recurring results page onthe right side of the blog (December 31, 2016, January 5, 2017, and January 7, 2017 entries.).

VIII: 2017-18: Urriza 30 Barrenetxea IV 19 (full match video--EITB) (match article--Oriamendi2010)

IX: 2019: Urriza 30 Uterga 25 (match article--Oriamendi2010) 4 Match photos (Orimandi2010 Twitter feed) Full coverage also at Remonte Galaretta "Star Matches" page on the right side of the blog (scroll to double bars between January 10-26, 2019)

Urriza has won the most championships 5, Uterga and Ezkurra 2. San Miguel has lost 3 and Endika has lost 2

===========================

Note: the entire tournament is also covered via the Remonte "Galaretta Star Matches" recurring results page onthe right side of the blog (enclosed by two sets of double bars--see January 10-26, 2019)

Summary:

January 10: Endika 30 Azpiroz 19
January 12: Barrenatxea IV 30 Ezkurra II 24
January 17: 1st Semi-final: Urriza 30 Endika 18
January 19: 2nd Semi-final: Uterga 30 Barrenetxea 25

JANUARY 26:

FINAL:

Urriza 30 Uterga 25 (EITB made this match available for on demand viewing in early May 2019) (added May 16, 2019)

Players: Wins-Losses, points for and against, final standing

Urriza.............2-0...60-43...(TXAPELDUN)

Uterga.............1-1...55-55...(Sub-Campion)

Barrentxea IV..1-1...55-54

Endika............1-1...48-49

Ezkurra II.......0-1,,,,24-30
Azpiroz...........0-1...19-30

Front Court 3-2 Back Court 2-3;

Group A: 5-3; Group B: 0-2

January 26, 2019

Final

Urriza (Group A-Front) 30 Uterga (Group A-Front) 25

Selected linescore (winners always listed first)

1-4; 4-9; 7-11; 10-11; 11-11; 13-13; 18-17; 20-19; 20-20; 22-22; 27-22; 29-23; 29-25; 30-25

Scoring:

Urriza +26 (including 3 service aces) -4 (including 1 service fault); Uterga +21 (including 3 service aces) -4 (including 2 service faults) (Uterga 7 two wall winners)

Pelota selection article (Oriamendi2010)

Match preview article (Noticias de Gipuzkoa)

Match preview article (Oriamendi2010)
Match article (Oriamendi2010)

4 Match photos (Orimandi2010 Twitter feed)

Source for all: Oriamendi2010

Urriza won his 3rd consecutive Master's singles tournament, his 5th overall, with a difficult, hard fought win over his main front court rival, Uterga. He had to fight upstream from an early 9-4 deficit to equalities at 13, 20, and 22. A decisive 6-1 run from the last equality took Urriza to yet another Championship.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The entire tournament, from beginning to end:

January 10, 2019 (letters adjacent to players names identify the group they are in)

Note: all match articles, unless otherwise specifically stated, are Oriamendi2010 articles.

Match 1

Endika (Group A-back) 30 Azpiroz (Group B-back) 19 (A 1-0 B 0-1)

Match preview article
Match article

Selected linescore: (winner always listed 1st)

2-2; 9-3; 15-5; 15-10; 30-19

Partial Scoring:

Endika + 27 (incl. 8 service aces)
Azpiroz -3

The experienced Endika, who has actually been going through a rough patch to begin the year (see above), demolished the up and coming Azpiroz. The match was not as close as the final score. By the time Azpiroz got into a rhythm, the match was long gone. Endika's 15-5 start put an end to any aspirations Azpiroz might have had. According to the match story, Endika had a +27, a very good day. Endika's opponent in the first semi-final will the seeded four time and defending Tournament Champion Urriza on January 17, 2019.

-----------------------------------

January 12, 2019 (letters adjacent to players names identify the group they are in)

Match 2

Barrenetxea IV (Group A-back) 30 Ezkurra II (Group B-front) 24 (A-2-0 B 0-2) (Back 1 Front 0)

Match preview article
Match article

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

5-1; 10-6; 15-8; 18-10; 20-15; 24-15; 30-24

Barrenetxea IV did not dominate this match as thoroughly as Endika did two days ago (see below), but he also was in control from beginning to end. It was the second victory of an A player over a B player in this tournament. Barrenetxea IV's opponent in the second semi-final will be the seeded two time Tournament Champion Uterga on January 19, 2019.

-----------------------------------

January 17, 2019 (letters adjacent to players names identify the groups they are in)

1st Semi-final:

Urriza (Group A-front) 30 Endika (Group A-back) 18 (Front 1 Back 1)

Match preview article
Match article

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

5-5; 13-6; 22-15; 26-16; 30-18

Scoring

Urriza +25 -2 (including 1 service fault)
Endika +16 -5 (including 2 service faults)

Urriza defeated Endika for the sixth consecutive time in singles matches. The emphatic victory was set up by an early 8-1 run. From there Urriza slowly increased his advantage throughout the match. He had a decisive advantage in winners and had less errors. Endika will have to wait for another day to break the streak.

-----------------------------------

January 19, 2019 (letters adjacent to players names identify the groups they are in)

2nd Semi-final:

Uterga (Group A Front) 30 Barrenetxera IV (Group A Back) 25 (Front 2 Back 1)

Match preview article
Match article

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

6-1; 12-6; 12-9! 14-16; 19-19; 23-19! 26-19; 27-20; 28-21; 28-25; 30-25 !--spectacular points--big ovations

Scoring:

U +27 (including 7 service aces) -4 (including 2 service faults);
B +22 (including 12 service aces) -3 (including 2 service faults): Note that scoring adds to 30-26.

The linescore tells the story of this exciting and entertaining match. Uterga had the advantage for nearly all of the first half of the match, beginning with a 6-1 run. But Barrenetxea IV answered with a 15-8 run, which Uterga immediately answered with a 12-3 run of his own. He held on to that lead, fighting off one last Barrentxea IV 4 point run at the end. The scoring shows Uterga played a magnificent offensive match, in spite of the fact that Barrenetxea IV's serve yielded much success. Only 7 total errors in play testifies to the quality of the match.

The final will be played on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Urriza will be attempting to win his 5th Championship, Uterga his 3rd. In 2016, the last time these two met in the Final, Uterga won a close, hard fought match. You can watch it at the link above. Urriza might test Uterga's ability to hit consistent rebotes. Uterga might play a more finesse game, trying to employ his devastating two wall shots as often as possible. Or maybe not.

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Main Nue--FFPB Championnat de France Pro Individuel--Qualification Round Seeded Matches--January 26, 2019

The 2019 FFPB (Federation Francais de Pelote Basque) Championnat de France Pro Individuel Tournament began on January 4, and will end on March 3, 2019. For the third consecutive year, there are two competitions, Group A and Group B. 21 players are involved. FFPB has provided a "dossier" (.pdf format, 7p.) explaining how the tournament works and who the players in each group are. This is a seeded ladder knock out tournament with qualification and league rounds, leading to the final.

The Players:

Player Profiles at Esku Pilota

Group A: Peio Larralde (front); Matthieu Ospital (front); Baptiste Ducassou (back); Bixinto Bilbao (back); Augusti Waltery (front); Ximun Lambert (back); Peio Guichandut (back); Vincent Elgart (front); Julien Etchegary (front); Ion Iturbe (back); and Anton Monce (front)

Last year's finalists: Larralde and Ospital have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)

Group B: Pascal de Ezcurra (back); Laurent Lambert (front); Alexis Inchauspe (front); Mickael Palomes (back); Gregory Aguirre (front); Cedric Lucu (back); Bixente (Vincent) Cubiat (back); Mattin Olcomendy (front); Mickael Darmendrail (front)

de Ezcurra and Lambert have been directly seeded into the League phase (1st and 2nd seeds)
-------------------------------------

Complete coverage of the 2018 Championship was provided by FFPB:

Results
Brief Match Articles and Photos

More detailed articles and selected match videos were provided by Pilota Ttiki. When videos are available they are linked at the bottom of the article.

Beginning January 9 and "suivant" at the bottom of the article until you reach other tournament articles. The tournament ended on February 25 (A) and February 27 (B) (Note that not all articles you will link to are articles about this tournament).

Twenty 2018 FFPB Championnat de France Elite Pro condensed full match videos are available via Pilota Ttiki Youtube. Scroll to or find "Championnat Individuel" or "Liguilla" (without the quotes).

Finals:
Group A: Larralde 40 Ospital 18
Match article and link to full match video

Group B: Iturbe 40 L. Lambert 27
Match article and link to full match video

2017 Tournament complete coverage (match articles and available videos)

Finals:
Group A: Ducassou 40 Ospital 27
Group B: Etchegaray 40 Elgart 21

2016 Full Tournament Results: Final: Larralde 40 Ducassou 22
2015 Full Tournament Results: Final Ducassou 40 Larralde 21 (pelotelive.free.fr)

-------------------------------------

Play in Round (January 4-7, 2019) Qualification Round Seeded Matches (January 12-14); January 19; January 26

Liguilla: February 2; February 3; February 9; February 11; February 15, February 17

Finals: February 25--Group B; March 3--Group A

-------------------------------------

Note: All match videos, unless otherwise specifically stated, are condensed full match videos (usually between 15 and 40 minutes).

January 26, 2019

Arcangues (1)(2)

Group A

Note that both matches, originally scheduled for January 25, were delayed by a day due to condensation on the court.

Bilbao (back) (seeded in) 40 Waltery (front) 34 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

1-6; 6-11; 11-11; 12-11; 16-11; 18-18; 18-28; 27-28; 30-30; 31-31; 39-32; 39-34; 40-34

In a see-saw match where the momentum distinctly changed four times, an 8-1 run by Bilbao at the end was the difference as he moved on to the Liguilla stage. Earlier he had been behind by as many as 10 after a 10-0 run by Waltery. But Bilbao immediately followed with his own 9-0 streak to set the match up going into the final decade. A crucial point was the 28-30--29-30 point where Waltery faulted, blunting the momentum he was trying to establish. Both players were overpowering at times. Bilbao was at the most important time.

Group A: Back 2-1; Front 1-2

Ducassou (seeded in) (back) 40 X. Lambert (back) 16 (Pilota Ttiki Youtube)

Selected linescore (winner always listed first)

2-2; 11-6; 17-6; 40-16.

Lambert said last week that the match against Ducassou would be "complicated" and so it was. After equality at 2 Ducassou buried his rival under a 38-14 avalanche, announcing to one and all that, after missing out on last year's festivities, being unable to defend his 2017 Championship due to injury, he was definitely available this year. In the form he is in going into the Liguilla stage, (having won the Super Prestige singles tournament, outscoring his three opponents 120-71, and his last 4 singles matches 160-87) he will be a tough assignment for anyone.

Preview: interview with Agusti Waltery (Pilota Ttiki)

Preview: interview with Bixento Bilbao (Pilota Ttiki)

Preview: Interview with Ximun Lambert (Pilota Ttiki

Preview: Interview with Baptiste Ducassou (Pilota Ttiki)

Match article for both matches (Pilota Ttiki)

Match article for both matches (FFPB)

For the Tournament in Front Court v Back Court matches the score is Back 3 Front 1.

With these two matches, the qualification round ended leaving the top four players in Group A:

Larralde (front) (seeded in at #1); Ospital (front) (seeded in at #2); Ducassou (back) #3; and Bilbao (back) # 4.

Group B: de Ezcurra (front) (seeded in at #1). L. Lambert (front) seeded in at #2); Inchauspe (front) #3; and Palomes (back) #4

1st round Liguilla matches:

February 2, 2019

Hasparren

Group A: Larralde v Bilbao
Group B: de Ezcurra v Palomes

February 3, 2019

St. Pee sur Nivelle

Group A: Ospital v Ducassou
Group B: L. Lambert v Inchauspe