Former Manomanista champion Patxi Ruiz is due to enter this year’s edition of the tournament on Friday when he will play Inigo Leiza in Amorebieta. However, in an interview with Radio Euskadi, he spoke of his dissatisfaction with his state of fitness. The pelotari from Estella was forced out of competition for a large portion of 2008 following back surgery and the problem refuses to go away, meaning that he cannot train properly. He stated that he was not happy about playing in the Manomanista championship but that he must do it for his empresa. He is contracted to Asegarce for the next two years but in the light of his current state, he is being forced to reconsider his future.

Source: EITB

Patxi Ruiz: back problems