Zabala and Martija stay the course to compete for second place in the Couples semifinals, which gives them a week of rest. Those of … Aspe added their third consecutive victory this Friday, which allows them to continue dreaming. They defeated Larrazabal and Mariezkurrena II in a tense and very close duel, from whom they snatched third position in the competition after many days. The Colorados carried out the clash in the last breath with a good drop shot by the Riojan striker through the wall.
The winners were much more stable than their rivals and it was one of the keys to their ability to reach the end of the contest. Baiko’s team had moments of great brilliance, but they made many more mistakes that paid for in the end.
Zabala-Martija
So many made: 10. So many lost: 6. So many served: 2.
22
–
21
Larrazabal-Mariezkur’s
So many made: 15. So many lost: 10. So many served: 0
-
Scorekeeper:
2-0, 2-2, 7-2, 7-6, 8-6, 8-10, 9-10, 9-13, 12-13, 12-15,16-15, 16-17, 17-17, 17-18, 20-18, 20-21, 21-21, 22-21 -
Incidents:
About 625 spectators at the Uranzu fronton in Irún. -
Bets:
100 to 70 blue.
The start of Logroño and his teammate was promising and they had a five-goal advantage (7-2), but the blues followed the same script as in the last games and when they settled on the field they immediately balanced the forces and the score. They even went ahead by four points (9-13), but Zabala and Martija, who only made a couple of mistakes in the entire match, held on. The player from Logroño claimed greater prominence from 12-15, and the clash moved in a handkerchief from then on. There were ties at 16, 17 and 18. The Colorados achieved a two-goal lead after two errors by their rivals, but Larrazabal reacted at the right moment to get within one goal for the conclusion. Although Zabala played his last cards perfectly and won the match.
In the first match of Serie B, Salaberria and Gaskue won (22-21) over Amiano and Eskiroz in a confrontation in which 1,016 balls were crossed. This figure is the record of the tournament. The previous one was at 871.
In Gernika and Idiazabal
This Saturday the focus will be on two frontons. In the Santanape de Gernika (5:15 p.m.), Elordi and Zabaleta face the leaders of Parejas, Laso and Albisu. The Navarrese striker returns to the competition after missing last day due to muscle problems, and he will do so hungry. A victory for Baiko’s team ensures first place in the standings with two rounds left until the quarterfinals conclude. Those from Aspe are looking to continue in their wake alone and be one week closer to avoiding the play-off. At the same time at the Igarondo fronton in Idiazabal, Jaka and Iztueta and Peio Etxeberria and Rezusta will play.
