The Aragonese Pablo Abián has achieved in Oran revalidate the gold of the Mediterranean Games by defeating in the badminton final against Kike Peñalver (21-13 and 22-20). Abián and Peñalver were precisely runners-up in men’s doubles last Monday in these same games that are held in Algeria.
The Olympian from Bilbao, who is now 37 years old, once again demonstrated that he is in great shape and had experience from minute one of the game. According to the Federation website, He started commanding the scoreboard, although without achieving great advantages. However, he came ahead at the interval and Abián increased the intensity in the final stretch to win the first game.
Peñalver took the initiative at the beginning of the second set, when he managed to gain up to four points and it seemed that he was going to reach the interval ahead. Nevertheless, the Aragonese reacted at the right moment to frustrate the intentions of Toledo and managed to reach the break with an advantage. Abián’s comeback did not affect Peñalver, who once again took control of the game, although Abián forced him to sweat to score each point.
????Mediterranean Games Champion 2022! ????
It is a pride to be able to revalidate this title achieved in Tarragona 2018 and also this year get another medal in doubles in a very even final????
We continue to show that we are up to the task.
We keep adding… ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/JysMPMawdx– Pablo Abian (@Pablo_Abian) June 30, 2022
The final stretch of the second set became a battle in which both players showed their best level. The equality was maximum both on the track and on the scoreboard, until Abián went up another gear and took the lead again. Peñalver saved the first match point, but could not stop the momentum of the Bilbilitan.
This is Abián’s fourth medal at the Mediterranean Games, after the silver medal at Mersin 2013, the gold of Tarragona 2018 and the silver achieved in the doubles event of these same Oran 2022 Games, forming a partnership precisely with Kike Peñalver.
The Aragonese has already shown his joy on social networks, where he has acknowledged that “it is a pride to be able to revalidate this title and, in addition, this year get another medal in doubles in a very close final. We continue to show that we are up to the task. We keep adding…”he has written on his Twitter profile.
