«A veces nos da miedo normalizar el deseo de ganar pero para mí es bueno,» said Peio Etxeberria, ahead of his upcoming match.
Peio Etxeberria reached the fourth final of the Cuatro y Medio championship without suffering a single defeat, El Diario Vasco reported following an interview in Derio after a 6:30 a.m. training session in Pamplona.
The 1998-born pelotari from Zenotz arrives at the title match carrying an eight-match winning streak in the tournament. Etxeberria admitted that he approaches this campaign with greater awareness than in previous years, drawing motivation from fellow competitor Jokin Altuna’s philosophy that every championship is entirely new.
«La primera final me vino grande, en la segunda supe competir pero no estuve a la altura. En la tercera supe que iba a salir y ganar,» Etxeberria told El Diario Vasco regarding his progression through past title matches.
Etxeberria said that the physical and mental intensity of the Cuatro y Medio discipline requires strict emotional control during high-stress rallies. He explained that his ability to lower his heart rate between points helps him manage the grueling demands of the court.
«Creo que en la agonía me mantengo sereno y bajo bien las pulsaciones entre tanto y tanto. Eso es importante,» Etxeberria stated to El Diario Vasco.
The Navarrese competitor also addressed his recent work with physical trainer Asier Mayo, whom he brought on board to inject fresh ambition into his daily training routine.
Etxeberria faces Javier Zabala in the upcoming final, acknowledging his opponent's power and speed on the fronton. Despite the magnitude of the event, Etxeberria maintains that he relies on familiar routines rather than attempting sudden tactical experiments.
«Cuanta menos importancia le doy a ese partido, mejor,» Etxeberria told El Diario Vasco, adding that he prefers to treat the days leading up to the final with complete normalcy.
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