It is hard to imagine this championship being any more competative. As we enter week seven of eight in the quarter finals, six pairs lie within one point and all the partnerships have a mathematical chance, however slim, of qualification for the semi finals. It was the defeat of Olaizola II and Mendizabal II which threw the fly in the oinment: had the defending champions won, they would have qualified automatically and Xala and Laskurain (who was replaced by Zubieta this weekend) would have been out of the count. Instead, the table has become unfeasibly crowded. Olaizola II and Mendizabal II, with their four points and favourable points difference, remain top despite their loss and are still heavy favourites to go through, if anyone at all can be afforded that status. Berasaluze and Begino are the biggest movers, having raced up to second after a quiet start with their win over Irujo and Goni. Even Olaizola I and Patxi Ruiz, the former whipping boys, may be able to mount a challenge.

Television schedules for week seven will be posted when the become available. Clear your diaries for next weekend; there could be drama.

1. Olaizola II-Mendizabal II 6 4 2 115 98 4
2. Berasaluze VIII-Begino 6 4 2 120 112 4
3. Gonzalez-Barriola 6 3 3 114 104 3
4. Martinez de Irujo-Goñi III 6 3 3 112 105 3
5. Titín-Pascual 6 3 3 114 111 3
6. Bengoetxea VI-Beloki 6 3 3 108 116 3
7. Xala-Laskurain 6 2 4 115 115 2
8. Olaizola I-Patxi Ruiz 6 2 4 92 129 2

Numbers refer to: games played, games won, games lost, points for, points against, league points

The defending champions retain a slender lead

Image from: http://www.euskaraz.net/Argitalpenak/Mugi/Mugi44/14/Mugi44_14_01_olaizola.jpg