Abel Barriola is in danger of missing the Manomanista Championship after twisting his knee in a doubles match in Eibar, which had to be abandoned after seven points. The 2002 Manomanista champion and last year’s runner up was playing with Aritz Lasa against Martinez de Irujo and Galarza VI when the incident occurred. In chasing a long ball from Irujo, he turned sharply and noticed a crack in his right knee, and had to be helped from the fronton. ASPE’s medical staff suspected a sprain with some damage to the meniscus. Technical Director Jokin Etxainz stated that although the joint is not swollen, Barriola feels pain in the rear of his knee when he stretches his leg. He will undergo a scan in Pamplona to ascertain the full extent of the injury.

Barriola is due to enter the Manomanista Championship on 10th May the quarter final stage, where his opponent, save a major upset, is likely to be Aimar Olaizola. The man from Leitza has a month to recover but his participation is now surely under some threat.

Abel Barriola: injured

Sources: Diario Vasco, ASPE