An 11-Match Winning Streak on the Line
Unbeaten since May 26 in Bergara, the pairing carries an 11-match winning streak and three summer tournament titles into their next appearance, aiming for a fourth txapela.
A Brutal Marathon at Frontón Artza
The semifinal battle at the packed 500-seat Bermeo venue tested Laso and Iztueta to their absolute limits. According to El Correo, the match lasted 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 49 seconds across 652 total pelotazos.
Early Dominance and Rising Tension
Mariezkurrena II started strongly in the back court, while Laso arrived in Bermeo having played late Friday night in Viana, which slowed his initial rhythm. Capitalizing on early positioning, Altola and Mariezkurrena II built a commanding 12-7 lead. El Correo noted that Iztueta struggled initially to control the height of his clearances, giving their opponents opening gaps.
A Dramatic Momentum Swing After the Break
The momentum swung decisively after the mandatory mid-match break. Laso increased his aggression in the front court (cuadros alegres), while Iztueta began to match Mariezkurrena II stroke for stroke in the rear. Altola and Mariezkurrena II fought back to level the score at 21-21 before a missed high right-hand stroke by Mariezkurrena II handed the decisive final point to the blue pair.
The September Showdown and Beyond
Laso and Iztueta now look ahead to a September final where they will face the tandem of Unai Ezkurdia and José Javier Rezusta. Meanwhile, the Masters CaixaBank calendar continues immediately with group fixtures, sending Ezkurdia and Albisu against Altola and Rezusta in Barakaldo, alongside a match between Jokin Elordi, Mariezkurrena II, Jon Larrazabal, and Beñat Zabaleta in Otxandio.
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